River Heights considers adopting auto-pay utility billing system
October 29th, 2011 Posted in OpinionRIVER HEIGHTS – Incorporating a new billing system could have the city reaching directly into resident’s pocketbooks in the future. The City Council discussed at Tuesday’s meeting whether they were going to change their outdated billing program to the Caselle Utility Direct Pay module. This new program automatically withdraws utility bill amounts from resident’s bank account, or multiple accounts.
When asked if he would consider it, Councilman Blake Wright said, “If it’s costing us $700 a month in postage, yeah, I would.”
Councilwoman Francine Davis disagreed saying they would still have to send out the newsletter, which wouldn’t save them money in mailing.
Updating to Caselle would cost the city approximately $750. Representatives from Caselle will be visiting the council next week to showcase their product. If a decision is reached, the council will inform River Heights residents by the newsletter, “and then a fourth of them would see it,” City Recorder Sheila Lind remarked despondently.
Another bill may rise with the oncoming season, as leaving a water drip system to prevent freezing pipes for winter may cost residents. The council reminded residents that meters will be read every month and the city will charge for overages.
The base rate for water is currently $32.75 a month, with a rate increase per 1,000 gallons starting above 8,333 gallons. Above 33,332 gallons and residents have a 95-cent rate increase, costing an extra $31.67 a month in water bills. Information on charges can be found in the River Heights newsletter.
In other business, the council:
· is making changes to its dog ordinance due to slow police response times and difficulties in issuing citations.
· will hold a public hearing (TBA) as it considers joining the Cache Mosquito Abatement District.
· Elections for the City Council will be held Nov. 8 and early voting will end on the 4th.
NW
Tags: billing systems, Caselle, city council, River Heights
One Response to “River Heights considers adopting auto-pay utility billing system”
By Tommy T.K on Nov 1, 2011
So after that date, members using bank and credit card draft will need to reenroll using their new account number, to comply with federal regulations?