Rising Sun aims to boost e-billing as town reports healthy cash flow, audit pending

The assistant town administrator told the Mayor and Commissioners on Jan. 10 that the town has increased electronic utility billing uptake and is pursuing further gains to reduce costs. "We are now to about 70% of the residents do get an electronic utility bill," he said, and added the town hopes to reach about 80% participation.

He said roughly 50% of utility payments are currently made online and that the town will explore ways to let residents opt in to electronic-only bills to save postage and staff time. On finances, the assistant said the town had a solid cash flow position after receiving about $300,000 in real-estate payments in December and that it is "tracking solid with budget" for the six-month period. He told the board that the annual audit is nearly complete and that auditors are expected to present the audited financials at the next meeting.

No formal decisions were taken at the Jan. 10 meeting on billing policy changes; staff indicated further work would occur before any ordinance or formal policy change.