Agenda Packets - 1987/02/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: CLERK-ADMINISTRATO / DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 1987 SUBJECT: UTILITY ACCOUNT OF DAN MCFARLANE, 2848 COUNTY ROAD I On approximately February 12th I received a telephone call from Mr. Dan McFarlane of 2848 County Road I who wished to complain about his having been penalized $5.00 because he had not returned his meter reading card within the prescribed time. I indicated to Mr. McFarlane at that time that I would review his records and be able to discuss his concerns with him on the week of February 16th and that he could contact me at his convenience. On February 17th Mr. McFarlane appeared at City Hall and I reviewed with him the fact that he had been penalized the. $5.00 becaue he had not returned his meter reading card within the prescribed time and pursuant to Municipal Code, the penalty was levied. Mr. McFarlane does not argue the fact that he did not return his utility billing card on time, however, he feels that the penalty is unjustified due to the fact that there is a credit on his account. I explained to Mr. McFarlane that although the credit existed on his account, the return of utility meter reading cards is a necessity to ensure that accounts are kept up to date and, ' in his case since a credit on the account exists, to determine exactly when the credit is depleted and he - is responsible for paying additional billings. Utility Accounting Clerk Sandgren reviewed Mr. McFarlane's account for the period 1984 through 1986 at my request and has provided me with the following information. During this three year period, Mr. McFarlane sent his water meter reading card in only five times out of a total of nine. His utility usage was estimated seven times during that same period due to his not returning meter reading cards and our being unable to enter his premises to read his meter during the annual reading program. Mr. McFarlane also paid his utility bill late five times during the same period. In October of 1985 Mr. McFarlane paid an advance payment to the City of $250 and in September of 1986 he sent another advance payment of $150. Mr. McFarlane states that lie has made these advance payments due to the fact that he dislikes handling paperwork and finds making advance payments convenient for him. The difficulty for the City's utility billing program is that we are unable to determine when the advance payment has been depleted without receiving meter reading cards showing us