HomeMy Public PortalAbout120_011_One time catch up bill - February *IMPORTANT-CHANGES TO YOUR UTILITY BILL EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2015
We are enclosing this insert to ensure that our customers are aware of the changes in their utility bill starting this
month. Notice of changes to your utility bill was also included in the last water bill.
The City of Tybee Island needs to bring utility billing up to date. This is a much needed step in order for the City of Tybee
to address a financial management recommendation by our auditors.The February invoice is your bill for December
and January utility services.This necessary change is being made in February as bills are,typically, near the lowest island
wide.
Following are the February 2015 changes that will impact the City of Tybee Island utility customers:
➢ December and January consumption will be billed on the January bill.The December consumption will be calculated
and updated.January consumption will also be calculated and updated. Both months will be mailed and due upon
receipt. Our billing software will show the December consumption as past due. However, the water billing
department will not consider it past due in the February billing.The change will decrease the gap between meter
reads and revenue collections. It will also allow our customers to see how much water was consumed during the
previous month much sooner.This is a one-time catch up bill.
➢ The City of Tybee is has moved the billing date, due date and bank draft dates forward by approximately five days:
• The Utility billing date will change from the 28th of each month to the 5th of the following month.
• The due date will change from the 20th of each month to the 25th of each month.
• Charges become delinquent the day after the due date.A grace period of 5 days is given before delinquent
charges are applied.
Q&A Summary:
Question: What is happening in February to my water bill?
Answer: The billing will be two months charges on one bill this month only.
Question: Why is this being done?
Answer: At the recommendation of our outside auditors,the change improves municipal financial management.
Question: Why is it being done in February?
Answer: February is typically one of the low points for many water bills on Tybee Island. We anticipate this decision will
have the lowest impact on people.
Question: Is my new bill due earlier or later each month?
Answer:The bill is now due 5 days later than before.
Question: Do I have to pay the full balance of this catch up bill in February?
Answer: No, if you need to spread out the balance of the February bill over the next five months,that's fine. Late fees
on all accounts that are current during this period will be suspended. Late fees will only be assessed if no payment is
received. Should you be inadvertently charged a late fee during this period, please contact us for an adjustment.
Question: Can I wait until March or later over the next five month time period to start paying of the balance of this catch
up bill?
Answer:Yes, if you want to wait until later during this five month period to pay off the catch up bill portion,that's also
fine. Again, late fees on all accounts that are current during this period will be suspended to give you additional time to
pay the catch up portion. Late fees will only be assessed if no payment is received. You can decide to pay the catch up
portion of the bill in March or later during the five month period by June 2015.
Question: Can I suspend my bank draft to be able to spread out over five months the impact of the catchup bill?
Answer:Yes. Please contact the Utility Billing Department at 912-472-5025 to make that change.