Good Morning fellow CSMFOers!
> The City of Visalia (COV) is seeking creative solutions to a receivable
> issue. This question may pertain to only a few cities. Timesaver tip:
> if you answer YES to question #1 and NO to question #2 , read on.
>
> 1. Does your city provide sewer and solid waster services for your
> residents? YES . . . keep reading
>
> 2. Do you have the ability to cut-off service when the account is
> delinquent? NO . . . keep reading
>
>
> BACKGROUND:
> California Water is the water service company here in Visalia. COV
> provides sewer and solid waste services for our residents. Several years
> ago, COV contracted with Cal Water to bill and collect the City's sewer
> and solid waste charges. 95% of the time, this arrangement works very
> well. We run into a problem when renters allow their City service
> balances to become delinquent, but maintain their water account current.
> As COV does not own the water, we do not have an option to shut-off
> service (it is illegal for us to cut-off sewer and solid waste services).
> Further, our City Charter outlines our authority to hold a property owner
> ultimately responsible for delinquent City service charges. For years COV
> has noticed the property owners several times a year, and one time per
> year we attach the delinquent charges onto the owner's property tax bill.
>
> From a property owner's perspective this practice is unfair. From an
> average citizen's point of view, this practice is the most equitable since
> being a landlord has risks and rewards. The average citizen would say,
> "better for a landlord to get stuck with the charges, than having the
> uncollected balances spread to every customer".
>
> QUESTION:
> Does your city have a situation similar to Visalia's? What is your
> collection process and how do you handle delinquent accounts?
>
> Creative solutions and greatly appreciated. Please respond to Sandra
> Montoya at http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
>
