HomeMy WebLinkAboutPost Memo Utility Q2 2018EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | INNOVATION | INCLUSION | EMPOWERMENT
SBStat
City of South Bend
SBStat Post Meeting Notes
Date: 5/31/18
Department: Utility
Urgent Issues Review During Meeting:
• No urgent issues
Decisions and Key Takeaways
• Notre Dame mulch partnership potentially moving forward after quality inspection
• Automated Merchant Systems to remain credit card vendor but will be evaluated for fit with new utili-
ty billing system
• Discussed providing or selling energy conservation kits to decrease utility bill amounts for at-risk resi-
dents
• Explored shutoff patterns in 2016, extensions and outcomes in 2017-2018, and the disconnect notice
trial outcome
• Discussed potential for extension information signage in the customer service office
• Discussed editing payment arrangement knowledge article to have 311 liaisons promote payment ar-
rangements if residents know they cannot pay within 10 day extension timeframe
• Discussed the potential to offer less number of extensions per year but longer extension period
• Discussed the need to offer a multi-faceted and targeted intervention that combines information with
resources for those who cannot pay
Potential Topics to Discuss Next Meeting:
• Hardship Fund Development and Distribution
• Findings from resident survey of how money is acquired to pay same day shut off amount
• Strategy for a multi-faceted intervention with high risk residents
Other Topics Discussed:
• Late fees or shut off fees distribute into loan fund that would offer lower interest rates than payday
loan businesses
• Escrow account that residents pays $5-10 extra each month to have no bill in December or to utilize