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HomeMy Public PortalAboutAB 20-102 Utility COVID-19 Relief DiscussionMcCALL CITY COUNCIL 216 East Park Street AGENDA BILL McCall, Idaho 83638 Number AB 20-102 Meeting Date April 09, 2020 AGENDA ITEM INFORMATION SUBJECT: COVID-19 Relief Discussion for Utility Bills AND Provide Direction to Staff Department Approvals Initials Originator or Supporter Mayor / Council City Manager Clerk Treasurer Originator Community Development Police Department Public Works Golf Course COST IMPACT: tbd Parks and Recreation Airport Library TIMELINE: April 2020 Information Systems Grant Coordinator SUMMARY STATEMENT: To date the Treasurer has received three calls from Water Utility customers inquiring about what the City is doing to provide relief to utility rate payers during this uncertain time. Staff anticipates the number will increase once bills are mailed out April 13. Providing clean drinking water to the citizens of McCall is a vital essential service performed by the City of McCall. CDC guidelines strongly encourage hand-washing and proper hygiene practices during this period. Additionally, Idaho’s Governor has issued a Stay at Home Order through April 15. In order to ensure residents who are staying at home have water services during this emergency time, the Council may wish to provide relief to those facing hardships paying their utility bill. Staff has identified the following options for Council consideration to provide relief to City rate payers during the COVID-19 pandemic: •Suspend billing of, or waive penalty charges, on late payments •Suspend billing of, or waive service charges, on delinquent accounts •Suspend shutting off delinquent accounts for non-payment •Encourage Utility rate payors to pay what they can to keep account balances from becoming overwhelming •Enter into payment arrangements for those customers that request assistance with their bills RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss the above options and provide direction to staff regarding relief for the City Utility rate payers during the coronavirus pandemic. RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE ACTION