07-12-2021 BPU RPT 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES ~j ~ • 'W& Board Memorandum P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: JULY 12, 2021 SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO THE RESTART UTILITY BILL REPAYMENT PROGRAM FOR CUSTOMERS WHO WERE UNABLE TO PAY THEIR RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES BILLS DUE TO ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC ISSUE: Approve revisions to the Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program for customers who were unable to pay their Riverside Public Utilities bills due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of Public Utilities recommend the City Council: 1. Implement the revised Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program for all customers that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to be effective within 60 days of the City Council reversing the March 17, 2020, direction to suspend discontinuance of service for nonpayment of water, electric, sewer and refuse utility; and 2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to implement the Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program for all customers that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to be effective within 60 days of the City Council reversing the March 17, 2020, direction to suspend discontinuance of service for nonpayment of water, electric, sewer and refuse utility services. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Customer Relations/Finance Committee met on June 21, 2021, with Vice Chair Crohn, and Member Cherney, to consider implementing the revised Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program. After discussion, the Committee requested that: 1) the Restart program be flexible to meet the needs of our customers; 2) down payment be recommended but flexible based on the needs of customers; and 3) options are provided for payment escalations to help ease some customers into the plan. The Committee unanimously voted to recommend that the Board of Public Utilities approve the revised Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program inclusive of the changes. BACKGROUND: Local Emergency Declaration Actions