5-13-24 City of Watertown City Council Work Session
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Transitioning from water shut-offs to tax assessments for delinquent accounts
Evaluation of administrative costs and efficiencies of utility collection
Implementation of payment plans to assist residents with arrears
Public relations and messaging strategy regarding utility shut-off policies
Areas of Interest (4)
- City council explores ending water shut-offs in favor of tax assessments to improve community relations and reduce staff safety risks.
- Concerns raised over public perception: Officials fear announcing an end to shut-offs could encourage widespread non-payment.
- Internal debate over 'cat-and-mouse' collection tactics involving curb stops and resident property obstruction.
- City acknowledges administrative burden and costs associated with physical water shut-offs and restoration fees.
Notable Quotes (3)
The way our code reads it really is just we can just change it. It's just if you guys direct staff to do it.
Policy ImplementationExplaining the mechanism to change utility collection policy.
Shutting someone's water off does get their attention... Maybe in a bad way.
Collection StrategyDiscussing the effectiveness of coercive collection tactics.
None of us would... I'd have the guy sitting in his window going, 'What are you doing with my water out there?'
Staff SafetyAcknowledging staff safety concerns during shut-off operations.
People (1)
DanCity Staff/OfficialProvides administrative and legal guidance regarding city code and collections.
Provides administrative and legal guidance regarding city code and collections.
Events & Meetings (1)
- November (Planned policy review/announcement date)