Council hears proposed change to DPU code to allow temporary debt‑relief programs for single‑meter customers

Cindy Geronimo, commissioner of utilities administration, told council the proposed ordinance would repeal existing section 9.33.10(d) of the Toledo Municipal Code and replace it with language giving the director of public utilities authority to establish a temporary debt-relief program when funding is available. The program would be limited to single‑meter residential customers and authorize the director to set program details, with the aims of relieving accumulated water, sewer and storm arrearages, avoiding service termination and allowing payment plans to resume.

Geronimo provided council with highlights from the current Fresh Start Debt Relief program and requested SEP; council recorded the procedural recommendation with no final vote. Members acknowledged the program’s role in preventing terminations and asked for further detail at upcoming meetings.