12/17/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M M M Commissioner Adams felt the detailed bill was good because the public deserves to know what it is paying for. Louis Holland, resident of Heron Cay, objected to the minimum charge when he is not living in that home. He said that when he leaves his.Heron Cay home and goes up north, he turns off the cable service, the electricity and the telephone and receives no bills, but continues to receive a minimum bill for utilities. Director Pinto explained that even though he is not using the water or wastewater system the plant cannot shut down, the aeration tanks must continue to operate, and the employees must be paid. Mr. Holland stated that when he is up north he receives a utility bill and sends his payment on time. If it is delayed in the mails and arrives late, he is charged a penalty. He thought the Utilities Department should pay attention to the postmark date, as other government agencies do. Bill Ramsey felt the utility bill does not explain the charges. He also thought a return envelope should be included for the convenience of senior citizens because if they need an envelope, they must go all the way to town and that is difficult for retired citizens. He gave examples of the hardship experienced by residents when the owner of Aspen/Whispering Palms began making demands on senior citizens, particularly widows. He stated that the residents were forced to sign an agreement to pay the impact fee or their rents would be raised, so in order to have peace of mind they signed the agreements. Mr. Ramsey accused the County of creating agreements with the park owners which affected the residents. He also objected to a rate increase. Director Pinto clarified that this meeting was not to discuss a rate increase but rather to give the public and customers of the utilities an opportunity to voice their concerns. He felt it is very important for everyone to understand that the park owner is our customer and is responsible for paying the bill. The ordinance specifically states that tenants are not responsible for the bills. Mr. Ramsey asked why the bills are sent to the individual residents if the owner is responsible for paying them. Director Pinto explained that the Utilities Department must send the bills where the customer directs them to send the bills. If we do otherwise, the customer can say he does not have to pay the bill because the Utilities Department did not mail them to the proper address. Mr. Ramsey suggested a statement at the bottom of the bill that the bill does not have to be paid by the tenant. 9 CLEC 17 1992 BOOK 8 F'';r.:��6