Re: utility billing frequency

[James Shannahan]

reply in CAPS below >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/10/02 09:29AM >>> I'm a university auditor, so I have really no experience with this, but a few thoughts:   NEVER LET A LACK OF EXPERIENCE PREVENT ANALYSIS!!!!   :-)) 1.  The increase in processing costs with more bills (I'm sure you've considered this) compared to the more frequent influx of revenue,   THAT IS THE OPINION OF THE WATER FOLKS 2.  The increase in late payments or non-payments with more payments per year,   MORE BUT SMALLER PAYMENTS THOUGHT TO BE EASIER TO PAY ESPECIALLY FOR OUR ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGED CUSTOMERS 3.  The decrease in non-collection for those moving out of the area and not paying before they leave (with monthly billing, there would be less lag time before this came to your attention), and   NOT SURE HOW BIG A PROBLEM THIS IS BUT PER WISCONSIN LAW, THE WATER BILLING IS TIED TO THE PROPERTY AND NOT THE OCCUPANT, AND UNCOLLECTED BILLS GO ON THE PROPERTY TAX ROLL 4.  Have you considered surverying your customers to find out which they would prefer?   GOOD IDEA; WILL SEE WHAT THE WATER FOLKS THINK OF THIS   THANKS Sharon At 09:22 AM 4/10/02 -0500, James Shannahan wrote: for those of you who have looked at utility (water, gas, electric) billing systems, what is the frequency of billing to the customer?   our water system bills quarterly and we are looking at the implications and ramifications of monthly billing   one argument against is increased costs to collect the same amount of revenue   one argument for is less impact on the customer (12 smaller bills rather than 4 larger ones)   your thoughts, comments, and observations greatly appreciated   James Shannahan, CCP, CSQA, CISA Sr. Information Systems Auditor City of Milwaukee (Wisconsin, not North Carolina) [EMAIL PROTECTED] 414 286 2382   *neither the Comptroller nor I speak for each other*