Council keeps suspended-resolution discussion open on late fees and water shutoffs

Councilors revisited an unfinished item concerning a resolution that would authorize the mayor—or an authorized representative—to suspend late fees and water shutoffs on a case-by-case basis. The agenda item was initially misnumbered in discussion; members confirmed the correct resolution number is 2538.

Renee Baker, finance officer, said the city has seen only minimal use of the authority to date, describing it as only a $30 total of two late fees for the period in question and that no additional requests had been received as of the meeting. Councilors discussed whether to codify a suspension rule permanently as an ordinance — which would require two readings and make later reactivation or repeal a lengthier process — versus continuing to rely on ad hoc resolutions when needed.

Several council members said they preferred leaving the item as a resolution and bringing it back only if needed, noting an ordinance could be cumbersome for occasional use. The council did not adopt a permanent ordinance at the meeting and left the item on the agenda for future consideration.