City Council unanimously approved staff recommendations Feb. 25 to move forward with temporary changes in city ordinances related to utility usage and billing. These include:
- Disconnection and late fees for nonpayment would be suspended until May 12.
- The previous year's average winter sewer rate would be used instead of the current year's average.
- Water customers can file a water leak adjustment form for Feb. 12-26, and the existing 50% credit will be increased to a 100% credit. Applications can be found here.
- The $25 plumbing permit fee would be waived for 30 days. Permits are not required for simple repairs, but the city requires them for larger projects such as repairing pipes behind a wall, in a ceiling or underground.
The suspended disconnection and late fees ordinance will be implemented now, City Manager Brenda Eivens said. But legal and administrative changes may return for approval at council's next meeting March 11.
