Dahlonega City Council meeting Monday

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DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Utility billing late fees and disconnection of services will be an important topic for discussion when the Dahlonega City Council meets in and combined work session and called meeting Monday (April 20) at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

Financial Director Melody Marlow reports that calls and emails have increased from customers requesting extension of due dates for paying utility bills because of inability to pay related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Council will review requirements of the Water and Sewer Rates Ordinance and determine if action is warranted to temporarily suspend late fees and disconnection of service. In the past, a penalty of 10% or a minimum amount of $2 was added each month to any delinquent utility bill that has not been paid by the tenth of each month. Any utility bill delinquent on the 20th of the month has, in the past, resulted in service being discontinued, and a service charge of $75. added to the bill.

Since Council’s adoption of the emergency declaration in March, there have been no service disconnections or penalty charges for non-payment of utility bills.

On average, the city collects $7,800 a month in utility penalties and fees each month. The 10 percent penalty charged on the 10th of the month averages $3,800. The $75 fee charged on the 20th of the month averages $4,000.

Council may temporarily suspend the requirements to charge penalties and disconnect services for non-payment. Any grace period would apply to all residential and commercial customers.

Staff recommends a temporary two-month suspension suspend charging late fees or disconnecting service because of inability to pay utility bills for two months starting in April.

Council also will review a request for approval by the University of North Georgia to install an exterior sign on property owned by the City of Dahlonega at Barlow Road. If approved, UNG will bear all capital and maintenance costs for the new sign and the sign will be up lighted from an external source.

Due to recommendations by the CDC during the Coronavirus crisis, this meeting will be conducted via teleconference. To join the meeting, go to https://dahlonega.gov/category/news/

 

 

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