The city utility office is working with software company Incode to resolve problems with pulling usage data, called read files, into its billing software from the city’s new electronic meter monitoring system.
City administrator Ray Walden told aldermen at the June 15 meeting that the June bills will reflect May usage as well as the payment options residents are choosing. Many are selecting option No. 1, which grants them a 5 percent rebate for paying their balance for the last few months in full, he said.
The penalty date for the May bills has been extended to July 6. The date for processing autopayments will be June 29 and will be considered eligible for the 5 percent rebate credit for those selecting option No. 1.
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Walden urged anyone who has not received a bill or who has questions to call the utility office at 729-4117.
“I know it’s been challenging to get through on the phone lines lately,” he told aldermen. “We’ve tried to staff-up to cover that. We ask that you just persist. Some are using the drive-through. Those lines have been long as well. We’re trying to be quick to respond to questions and accommodating to help folks get through that.”
Walden expected to be able to pull read files in without issue by the end of last week, he told The Salem News, with an eye toward getting June bills out this week.
Also at the meeting, the board reorganized following the June 2 election. New West Ward alderman Greg Parker was sworn in, along with re-elected East Ward alderman Kim Steelman and mayor Brad Nash. Outgoing West Ward alderman Kenneth Nash was presented with an appreciation plaque.
The board elected West Ward alderman Kevin James as the new board president, succeeding Steelman. Erica Nunnink was chosen to fill the city treasurer vacancy.
In other business, the board reviewed an engagement letter from K DeLuca Audit Services, the only bidder, and approved a one-year agreement for $10,500 for an audit of the fiscal year ending June 30.
Also approved was a resolution authorizing the sale of a 2010 Ford Explorer police vehicle as surplus equipment through PurpleWave.com.
In his report to the board, Walden noted that sales tax receipts for May totaled $136,331 for the 1 percent general fund city sales tax, compared to $99,952 in May last year. Year to date revenues from the tax were $1.124 million, or $13,000 more than a year ago. He thanked residents for shopping locally during the COVID-19 pandemic and helping the city end the fiscal year on a positive note.
Walden also reported on a bulk recycling event held May 16. He said 91 cars came through, with staff members helping remove items from vehicles. Almost 2.5 tons of electronics, 1.8 tons of white goods and 1.74 tons of tires were collected, close to what was collected at the last event.
