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www.mybaycity.com October 9, 2010
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In his biweekly memo to commissioners, Mr. Belleman said for the period June 25-July 21, 2010, there were 1,187 accounts receiving shut off notices which represented $400,500 in arrearage.

Bay City Utility Customers Rack Up $400,000 Past Due Accounts in One Month

Shutoff Notices in July Totaled 1,187; City Manager Urges Payment Plans

October 9, 2010       4 Comments
By: Dave Rogers

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As City of Bay City utility arrearages mount, City Manager Robert V. Belleman is urging delinquent customers to make arrangements for payment plans.

Some customers claim their water and sewer bills have increased more than 40 percent over the past year and a half while electric bills have gone up about 25 percent.

One family of six that is not home all day reported receiving a $387 monthly bill and several homeowners reported increases of more than $100 a month.

"We've definitely got a crisis," said one city customer, noting that some homeowners are planning to move after receiving the higher bills.

In his biweekly memo to commissioners, Mr. Belleman said for the period June 25-July 21, 2010, there were 1,187 accounts receiving shut off notices which represented $400,500 in arrearage.

During this period there were 110 actual shutoffs still in place representing an outstanding amount of $57,826 in-city, and 8 accounts representing $3,507 outside of the city, according to Mr. Belleman.

The issue of the number of days billed has not been resolved. A city source reportedly said the bills were to be based on 45 days, rather than the normal 30 days -- thereby accounting for the higher amounts. However, one customer who has tracked the billings since January 2009 said the longest they received bills were for 36 days.

Rate increases have pushed bills higher. In January 2009 sewer costs were 6.98 per hundred cubic feet (CFW) while in June-July 2010 the rate was 9.85 per CFW.

Water rates went from 2.68 per CFW in 2009 to 3.15 in June-July 2010.

"The City struggles with customers who fail to notify us of their difficulties until after a shut off has occurred or on the date their bill is due," wrote the city manager, adding:

"I would encourage any customer to contact the Accounts Receivable Department and open up discussions regarding their utility account, their current financial constraints and whether there are agencies who can assist them in addressing the outstanding utility account balance."



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"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers!

tskimmy1 Says:       On October 10, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I was getting very frustrated over the increase of the utility bills this past year. Then to find out that I was being charged for 15 more days than there is in a month I became furious !! It's no wonder the is $400,000 in past due accounts. For those who just don't qualify for assistance, it is getting extremely depressing ! Seriously, how can a family of 4 (2 small children) in a 900 sq ft house have over a $300 bill ? It is very difficult to pay out more than what comes in. Something just doesn't add up !
an observer says:       On October 11, 2010 at 10:36 AM
I've been tracking my Bay City Utility bills since 1999. My avg month in those days was $125. That avg has creeped up to more like $175 with spikes in late summer when we run some A/C window units.

The most recent two bills this year are $383 and $321. That's the highest I've ever seen.

Tracking the number of days billed is difficult unless done over a long period. It does look like 2010 may be a year with two extra weeks. We'll see if it evens out.
sillykelly2000 Says:       On October 12, 2010 at 09:47 AM
I'm a 1 1/2 person household (child there part time). I work all day, rarely watch tv, have no electric or water involved luxuries (hot tub or filling a pool, etc). My dryer, hot water tank & stove are gas.

The highest bill I'v ever had in 7 yrs. was for $135. My Aug. bill was $260 & Sept $210. Where does it stop in this city?? Belleman's quote implied that people should have known & contacted the dept if they knew they're going to have difficulties, to make arrangements is absurd. I don't think we were aware that in Aug., we'd get slammed with bills like we did.

For people who are struggling already & living week to week, this bill crippled them. I am the SORRIEST I have ever been about anything for choosing to move from Bangor Twp into the city 7 years ago. It has been a financial nightmare between the taxes & utilities & lack of services & now my home is so undervalued, I can't even get out.
Agree? or Disagree?


Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
(Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

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