Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/2/2020
Item Status: Addendum
From: Terri Graham, Development and Environmental Director
Submitted by: Suzanne Doughty, Senior Accountant
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Residential Garbage Collection Service Late Fees and Delinquency/Show Cause Processing
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions regarding Residential Garbage Collection Service Late Fees and Delinquency/Show Cause Processing as follows:
1) Resume the charging of late fees to delinquent Residential Garbage accounts effective July 1, 2020; and
2) Resume the monthly Delinquency/Show Cause process which includes mailing of past due notices, scheduling and notification of Show Cause hearings and any associated court proceedings effective September 1, 2020.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: April 7, 2020
Background: In an effort to help ease the financial burden for residential customers impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19), the Baldwin County Commission, during its Regular Meeting on April 7, 2020, approved the following changes to the Residential Garbage Collection Service Late Fees and Delinquency/Show Cause Processing:
1) Temporarily discontinue the charging of late fees over the next 30-90 days; and
2) Temporarily discontinue the monthly Delinquency/Show Cause process which includes mailing of past due notices, scheduling and notification of Show Cause hearings and any associated court proceedings for the next 30-90 days.
Reassess these actions after each 30-day period, if preferred, based on the continued impact and evolving nature of the virus.
The amount of Late Fees forgiven per the action above is estimated at $130,000 for the applicable three (3) months of April, May, and June, 2020.
BCC Policy #7.6 - Solid Waste Residential Garbage Service Rates and Account Late Fees allows for a $10.00 late fee to be assessed monthly to any outstanding balance carried by a residential account. This policy also allows waiving of late fees in certain circumstances by authorized staff.
BCC Resolution #2017-020 (Section 12 - Enforcement) authorizes and outlines the Show Cause process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Terri Graham, Development and Environmental Director
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A