City Administrator Jim Clifford and Finance Director Linda Williamson told the council that billing operations have returned to regular cycles following a system transition and that the city paused late fees and shutoffs during the disruption. Staff reported about 10% of accounts (1,267) are 90 or more days delinquent, including 172 accounts with no payments in 2025.

To restore the utility enterprise’s revenue stream (which funds water-plant operations, chemicals, pump-station work and staff salaries), staff proposed reintroducing standard billing next month and offering a payment-plan program that allows customers to spread arrears through the end of the 2026 calendar year if they register for the plan. Williamson said customers on an approved plan who meet its payments would not be assessed late fees; failure to abide by an agreed payment schedule would leave customers subject to disconnection. Staff plans automated outreach (bill notices and automated phone calls) and a January enrollment window; disconnections would begin in February for accounts still over 90 days delinquent without an approved plan.

Next steps: staff will publish payment-plan details on bills, on the city website and via automated calls and will coordinate with social and assistance providers for customers who may need support; council did not take formal action in the study session and the proposal will proceed as staff described unless council directs otherwise.