City of Silvis Finance Committee met Feb. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Attendance: Alderman Rick Lohse, Alderman Bob Rockwell
Others in Attendance: Alderman David Smith, Alderman Larry York, Alderman Tony Trulson, Amy Malmstrom, Nevada Lemke, Scott McKay, Chief John Winters, Shannon Pirmann
Chairman Lohse called the meeting to order at 4:18pm and noted a quorum.
First Item: Utility Billing Fees/Disputes
Clerk Amy Malmstrom reported that with the new system transition for Utility Billing, late fees were waived for 2 months for customers that were making the switch for ACH transfers. The Clerk staff has been working to call all customers (638+) that still needed to make the switch. Part of the reason for the late fees is that many people open their bills on their mobile devices and the print is too small to see the note about switching to the new system. Amy asked for Council input on whether the fees should be written off for another month. Alderman Lohse asked if we could write them off for all ACH users, but Amy stated that doing so would likely result in some legitimate late fees being removed for customers that have switched but are actually late in paying their bills. The committee felt the fees should be written off for this month, Amy agreed to do so.
Another resident had complained about increased usage/consumption on her account, and she had not received a call from Shannon (UB Clerk) regarding the increase. Amy explained to the resident that when Shannon notices a significant increase, she will call a resident out of courtesy to let them know, but she cannot catch every increase, especially when they span over multiple billing cycles. It is not part of the job description, but rather a courtesy that is extended when increases are noticed. Alderman York reported to Amy that this should go through Public Works Committee as it has in the past. Alderman Lohse stated that this is not an obligation, but again, just a courtesy. With permission from the Public Works Chair, Larry York, Alderman Lohse recommended that Amy tell the resident that they are responsible for the charges.
The last dispute for the meeting is regarding the meter deposit that is due upon transfer of ownership of a property under City Ordinance. A customer had been buying a property on contract for over 30 years, and now that the official transfer of ownership has occurred, they were asked to pay the meter deposit. The customer is irate that they are expected to pay the deposit. Amy explained to them that this is a City Ordinance and is to be followed by all residents. The committee discussed and agreed that the Ordinance must be enforced and consistent for all residents, and that the transfer of ownership warrants the meter deposit to be paid by the new owner. Amy agreed to relay the information to the customer.
Administrator Lemke confirmed that no official action is needed from the meeting. Chairman Lohse confirmed that nothing needs to be added to the upcoming agenda, but the minutes are to be provided in the agenda packet, and the items can be reported to the Council as an update in the Clerk’s report.
The Finance Committee adjourned at 4:32pm.
https://www.silvisil.org/assets/files/committee-minutes/2022-02-07%20%20Finance%20Committee%20Minutes.pdf
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