HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2022 Personnel & FinanceOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
D AWN M.JONES, CITY CLERK
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 12, 2022, 3:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present:
Agenda:
Sheila Niezgodski, Eli Wax, Troy Warner, Rachel
Thomas Morgan, Henry Davis Jr.
Bill No 43-22 -Amending Various Articles and
Sections of Chapter 17 of the SB Municipal Code to
Address Late Fees for City Utility Customers
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are present digitally
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=357323
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski called to order the Personnel and Finance Committee at 3 :30
p.m.
Bill No. 43-22 -Amending Various Articles and Sections of Chapter 17 of the SB Municipal
Code to Address Late Fees for City Utility Customers
Eric Horvath, the Public Works Director, with offices on the thirteenth (13th) floor of the County-
City building noted that this program has been in place for a few years. They have noticed potential
for improvements. There have been significant efforts to get individuals signed up for this
program. There has been a forty percent ( 40%) increase in participation this year. The first (1 st)
change is the name of the program to Utility Assistance Program. There is no longer the restriction
that the utility bill needs to be in the individual's name. Individuals who are part of the program
are now exempt from late fees . There is also the exemption that individuals who are not up to date
on their account are still eligible for water and sewer insurance programs. Additionally, any water
lines in the public right of way will be covered under the water insurance program.
Committee Member Wax asked if there are limits regarding amount and time.
Eric Horvath noted that it is indefinite. Individuals who are part of the program can still have their
utilities shut off.
Council member Wax also noted concern that this program removes the incentives for individuals
to pay their utilities. Additionally, this puts more of a burden on others who are paying for their
utilities.
Eric Horvath noted that everyone still needs to pay their utility bills, but it removes the burden of
late fees for individuals who cannot afford it. Unfortunately, late fees are not an incentive to pay
their utility bills. Shut-offs are an effective incentive. There is support via payment plans to assist
individuals to pay off their bills. There is also a federal program where low-income people can
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY I OVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. lndiana46601 o 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 wwwsouthbendin.gov
CIT Y OF SOUTH BEND OFFI CE OF THE CLER K
have the water and sewage portion of their bills paid for. It was asked if there was a cost assessment
done. Eric Horvath confinned that this had not been done. Total arrears are approximately one
million seven hundred thousand ($1,700,000) dollars, which is higher than when shut offs are able
to occur. He noted that he did not know how many people were in arrears or how many people
were tenants compared to home owners. He will follow up on these items. There was discussion
regarding areas that have high delinquency rates. [t was noted that there is a monetary and time
threshold for utilities to be turned off.
Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Committee member Tomas Morgan motioned send Bill No. 43-22 to Committee of the Whole
with a favorable recommendation, seconded by Committee Chair Niezgodski, and carried by a
vote of four ( 4) ayes, and one (l) nay.
Committee member Troy Warner -Aye Committee member Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski -Aye Committee Vice-Chair Eli Wax -Nay
Committee Member Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
With no further business, Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski adjourned the Personnel and
Finance Committee meeting at 3:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Niezgodski, Committee Chair
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRt:D PERSONS
Auxilia~, ,\id or 0 1hcr Services may be Available upon Rci1ucs1 at :"io Ch:u-gc.
Please l!i,,c Reasonable Ach·ancc RC(JUCSI when Possible
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTAB ILITY INNOVATION INCLUSIO EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
2