HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/25/2026 03.A. Discussion About Utility Billing Practices r-
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 3.A.
For Meeting of: August 25, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Discussion About Utility Billing Practices
SUBMITTED BY: Craig Warner, Director of Finance & Budget
*Anabel Chavez, Utility Customer Services Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Resilient Yakima
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Utility Billing Discussion Presentation (1) 08-25-26.pptx
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Billing Collection Process \ /4.Anabel Chavez, Utility Services Manager
Craig Warner, Director of Finance & Budget
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Utilit " Billie & Collection _ _
No Action Needed by Council Tonight
Motion made by Councilman Glenn to discuss the
Utility Billing process
Share Current Practices
Review Issues
Discussion of Potential Solutions
Steps Moving Forward
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Utility Billing & Collection Process
Background
The Utility Billing Department bills for the following services: '
Water
Wastewater
I Refuse
Irrigation
Stormwater (currently billed through the County with
property taxes)
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Consumption Based Billing
Water/Sewer/Refuse
Non-Consumption Based Billing
Irrigation & Stormwater (not included in totals below)
33,000 Accounts Billed Bi-monthly
Multi-Million Dollars Billed
930 Accounts (or 2.8%) Eligible for Shut-Off
525 Accounts Late on Most Recent Bill
16,500 Bills sent Monthly
16,000 Payments Received Monthly
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Residential, Commercial & Industrial Billing
Bi-Monthly Billing — All utilities, except Stormwater
Allow Tenant Accounts — Rental/Leased Properties
' Owner Responsibility — Unpaid Tenant Accounts
Deposits — Required for tenants and owners with prior
delinquencies
Water Shutoffs — Prohibited During Heat Alerts RCW
35. 21. 302 (1)
Miscellaneous Billing — DYBID, Airport, Fire Inspections
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Meter Replacement Project
"Ghost" Meters
Deposit shortfalls
City will need to assume Stormwater Billing in 2027
Uncollectable Accounts
Penny Elimination
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Utility Billing Software — Cayenta
Aging system
Significant Custom Modifications Required
High Costs for Custom Modifications
Integration with other software systems difficulties
Expanding E-Billing and Auto Pay options
Budget Billing Limitations
Significant System Bugs
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Improvement Consi ,
Monthly billing process (Pasco)
Discounts for E-Billing and Auto Pay
Update Deposit Policy
Replace Utility Billing Software
Tenant Accounts yes or no?
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Community Outreach (Survey)
Billing Frequency
Billing Delivery Options
Payment Options
Discussion with Community Stakeholders
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What is Stormwater Utility?
Stormwater is Not Irrigation
Rain & Snowmelt Runoff — from rooftops, paved
streets, highways & parking lots
Carries Pollutants — oil, fertilizers, sediment & waste
into the storm drains and rivers
Stormwater does NOT go through the wastewater
treatment plant
Stormwater fee is collected from each & every
developed property (YMC 7.80. 120)
Stormwater is required by RCW 90.48
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Storm Ai
What is the Issue?
Stormwater has historically been collected through
Yakima County's annual property tax billing
The County's new billing system will no longer support
this process
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The City needs a New billing method for 2027
City Code will need to be updated accordingly
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Potential Solutions
Work with Utility Billing Software to determine the best
billing solution the current software can provide.
Like Irrigation Billing, could be split into 6 bi-monthly
billings.
R Bring options back to Council soon to discuss the best
path forward.
Clearly communicate how this change will impact
our customers.
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Thank
- 101
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