Monroe Utility Customers to Get a Break on Bills

Up until now Monroe Utility customers had just 10 days past the due date to get their monthly payment in. No partial payments could be made, even in advance of the due date, and customers only got a seven day break once a year if they couldn't make payment before the cutoff date. The Monroe City Council voted Tuesday to extend that one time seven-day extension to once a month.

Brian Thompson, director of electric and telecom, said neither would change the due date. The advanced payments would enable people to make a partial payment in advance.

"We're already doing this sometimes when people pay on a credit card," Thompson said.

With regard to the extension, it would give a seven day extension past the cutoff date, but would not allow for the the payment to roll over into the next month. It was decided to implement it for a trial period to see if it was feasible. Although no time limit was set for the trial period, it was agreed that if it got too expensive or too time intensive for staff to administer, the matter would be brought back up before the council for further consideration.

"If they need a few extra days, let's give them a few extra days," said Mayor Greg Thompson. "If we're going to help people I say let's help."

Should a utility customer not be able to pay on the due date, they are given 10 extra days - with a $10 fee - prior to a cutoff date. Currently, once in a 12-month period the customer can apply for an extra seven days grace. That application, however, has to be made in writing and in advance of the cutoff date. The new system will allow for them to do that each month, provided they do not default. Should a customer apply for the seven-day extension and then not make payment prior to the cutoff date, it would revert to the only once in a 12-month period extension for that particular customer.

For a customer to do this every month would end up costing the customer an extra $10 each month for a total of cost of $120 per year.

Councilman Larry Bradley proposed that the new system be approved, effective March 1 to allow time for staff to be trained and the public educated on how the new system will work.

"If it doesn't work or is too costly then it will be pulled," Bradley said.

The proposal was unanimously approved by the council. It only applies to residential customers.