026-20 - Resolution - Adopting a Utility Payment Plan PolicyRESOLUTTON NO. 026-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A
UTILITY PAYMENT PLAN POLICY.
WHEREAS; the financial and public health impact from the COVID-l9 pandemic has been
sudden and unprecedented; and
WHEREAS; the Washington State Governor has issued Proclamation 20.23.4, directing
utility providers to develop a COVID-19 customer support program including alternative
payment arrangements; and
WHEREAS; the City Council has previously approved Ordinance 009-20, delegating
authority to the finance director to waive utility late fees, penalties and/or disconnections charges
as well as make alternative utility payment arrange payments under certain conditions: and
WHEREAS, the Finance Department has developed an alternative Payment Plan Policy
consistent with the Ordinance 009-20 and the Governor's Proclamation; now, therefore,
THE CIW COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOTLOWS:
THAT: The City Council approves the Utility Payment Policy as attached hereto as Exhibit A and
incorporated herein by this reference. The Council further authorizes the Mayor to make
adjustments to the policy as needed and report back any modifications to council within sixty
(60) days of said modification.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, SIGNED by the Mayor and attested
by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 23'd day of June 2020.
Robert Putaansu Mayor
ATTEST:Bi
o,PR w
n Rinearson, MMC, City Clerk
Qoat
ORClIARD
Policy & Procedure
Subject: Utility Billing Payment Plan Options
Beginning Date:Page I of2
Approved by:Effective Date:Supersedes:
1.0 PURPOSE:
The Finance Department has put in place the below policy framework to
assist customers experiencing economic hardship and requesting payment
arrangements. These are the steps we are recommending putting into place
for our utility system. This payment plan arrangement is in support of the
governor's order relating to COVID-19 and our existing Port Orchard
Municipal Code.
2.0 POLICY:
The city wil! provide payment options for those financially struggling through
a pandemic event, declared emergencies, or extenuating circumstances
(defined herein) while providing ongoing utility services to customers. lt is
imperative to protect the financial sustainability of the City's system, to avoid
providing defaulting customers with a prohibited gift of public funds, and to
avoid passing on the defaults to current rate payers.
3.0 PROCEDURES:
iG
a Staff shall develop a payment plan option, including an application
form, for customers with past due balances where the past due
balance is attributable to a declared emergency, such as a pandemic,
or other extenuating circumstances impacting the ratepayer's ability
to pay, including but not limited to a documented financial hardship.
The payment plan shall include, at a minimum, the following:
o Bimonthly charges will continue.
a
o Taking past due amount and dividing by maximum of 6 months
to be paid in combination with current amount due.
o Payment plan to go no longer than 6 months unless exception
granted by the Finance Director.
o During the payment plan there will be no penalties or shutoffs
incurred for those customers on an approved payment plan.
o Default on payments will make the plan void and return to
current penalty and shutoff guidelines.