Title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Temporarily Suspend the Assessment of Late Fees on Delinquent City Services Statements as the Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Body
Council Priority: Maintain Infrastructure and Provide Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Department: Water Resources
Council District: All
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Mike Borchers, 336-373-2494
Contact 2 and Phone: Kristine Williams, 336-373-2556
PURPOSE:
The City Manager requests authorization to temporarily suspend the assessment of late fees on delinquent City Services Statements as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
BACKGROUND:
Beginning March 16, 2020, the City temporarily suspended water shutoffs for non-payment to ensure that residents were able to continue to practice good hygiene, which is critical to slow the spread of COVID-19. In conjunction with that decision, the City also temporarily suspended the assessment of late fees on delinquent water accounts. Subsequent to our actions, the UNC School of Government advised water utilities in NC that the practice of suspending late fees requires ratification from City Council.
On March 26, 2020, the City Manager received a letter from NC Attorney General Josh Stein, who is encouraging all NC utilities to suspend shutoffs and late fees. Greensboro took early action on behalf of our residents to protect public health.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Approximately $115,000 per month is typically collected from the assessment of late fees.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested that the City Manager be granted the authority to suspend the assessment of late fees on delinquent water accounts through the period he deems necessary to minimize the financial burden on residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.