Laserfiche WebLink
Consent Item <br />8D. <br />Date: <br />To: <br />From: <br />Indian River County, Florida <br />Department of Utility Services <br />Board Memorandum <br />April 22, 2020 <br />Jason E. Brown, County Administrator <br />Vincent Burke, PE, Director of Utility Services <br />Prepared by: Cindy Corrente, Utilities Finance Manager <br />Subject: Suspension of Delinquency Charges associated with Utility Services through May 31, 2020, <br />due to COVID-19 <br />Background/Analysis: <br />On March 12, 2020, the Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) temporarily suspended the <br />practice of disconnecting potable water service if a customer's account is past due. On March 17, 2020, the <br />Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved Resolution 2020-31, which delegated the <br />authority to the County Administrator to execute all documents necessary to the proper functioning of the <br />County until the BCC could meet to ratify those actions. On April 7, 2020, staff recommended and the Board <br />of County Commissioners ratified the actions taken by the County Administrator under Resolution 2020-31 <br />to temporarily suspend the Indian River County Department of Utility Services' charging of delinquency <br />charges under section 201.08(1)(4) of the Indian River County Code Of Ordinances through April 30, 2020. The <br />purpose of this agenda is to extend the delinquency charge suspension for another 30 days, or until May 31, <br />2020. <br />Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, it is crucial that all potable water service within IRCDUS's service area remain <br />on in order to provide essential water supply for cleaning and cooking. With the recent stay home and social <br />distancing requirements from local, state, and federal regulations, some of our customers are affected financially <br />since, for many, their jobs have been furloughed. This affects their ability to pay for utility and other bills. <br />Funding: <br />Revenues from delinquency charges are recorded in the Utilities Operating fund. It is estimated that $75,000 <br />per month (estimated $150,000 total) in revenues will not be recorded as a result of this recommendation. <br />In addition to the lost revenue, approximately $25,000 per month (estimated $50,000 total) in reconnect <br />fees will not be recorded as well. <br />Account Name <br />Account Number <br />Amount <br />Penalties <br />471034-343540 <br />$200,000 <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners suspend the Indian River County Department of <br />Utility Services' charging of delinquency charges under section 201.08(J)(4) of the Indian River County Code <br />Of Ordinances through May 31, 2020. <br />37 <br />