Thank You Councilman Pitts

just-the-facts · #1 02-02-2010, 11:52 AM

I like many, am not pleased with the additional amount I will have to pay on my utility bill. I called Councilman Pitts on Monday voicing my displeasure and asked about the possibility of changing my billing cycle, so my payment would be due on the 20th instead of the 10th, this would help with cash flow, because of the time frame my wife and I are paid. Councilman Pitts called me back on Tuesday and said that there was really no way to do this, because of the way the meters are read. I appreciate the timely response, even though it was not what I wanted to hear. I brought up the possibility of the city extending the deadline for which payment would be due, instead of paying the gross amount after the 10th, maybe extend it to the 20th, I really don't see a downside to this, and think it may help others. Any opinions?

yowza · #2 02-02-2010, 11:55 AM

The down side is that they wouldn't be able to suck you for that extra money every month.

hotcookie1965 · #3 02-02-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yowza

The down side is that they wouldn't be able to suck you for that extra money every month.

why wouldn't they be able to "suck you for the extra money". no matter what they change the due date to, if you don't pay on time there is always the cut off's and late fee added on to the bill.

personally, when i was getting paid on the 9th and 30th of the month, i learned how to adjust my cash flow to pay accordingly to what was due by those pay dates. i didn't call up ayone asking them to change my bills due dates.

momma · #4 02-02-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotcookie1965

why wouldn't they be able to "suck you for the extra money". no matter what they change the due date to, if you don't pay on time there is always the cut off's and late fee added on to the bill.

personally, when i was getting paid on the 9th and 30th of the month, i learned how to adjust my cash flow to pay accordingly to what was due by those pay dates. i didn't call up ayone asking them to change my bills due dates.

Well bite my bum maybe I am grumpy today or hormonal but what world do you live in??? There are a whole lot of folks who just can't simply do that for various reasons. I don't think that statement was thought out. Just because you can be a financial wizard not everyone can. Some people's income is so fixed or recieved at odd times. Some people may be in and out of town. Maybe they have a heard time remembering things. The list goes on. I don't see why a person can't make it more convenient in the way they pay the bill. After all don't we pay their wages at the City. It's also not up to date with times. You can call just about any where and get your due date adjusted so that you are able to pay your bill on time. Most companies perfer it that. They have more cash flow than the average american.

Of course I know the City likes that extra cream money. I was told they can't do that because they don't have enough girls working in the department. They have to divide the city up and do all that in one or two days.

Plus you just can't guessiment your bill right now. Hikes in rates and Missouri weather should be part of the 7 wonders.

Bill Rook · #5 02-02-2010, 02:39 PM

As I see it and according to the ordinance, the readers have certain "cycle" areas they read during specific times each month. Changing 1 customer to a different cycle obligates the city to do it for everyone. Once that happens, the readers are skipping all over town reading meters here and there. It's better to leave the ordinance as is and try to hold finances in reserve to pay the bill later in the month.

beancounter · #6 02-02-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by just-the-facts

I like many, am not pleased with the additional amount I will have to pay on my utility bill. I called Councilman Pitts on Monday voicing my displeasure and asked about the possibility of changing my billing cycle, so my payment would be due on the 20th instead of the 10th, this would help with cash flow, because of the time frame my wife and I are paid. Councilman Pitts called me back on Tuesday and said that there was really no way to do this, because of the way the meters are read. I appreciate the timely response, even though it was not what I wanted to hear. I brought up the possibility of the city extending the deadline for which payment would be due, instead of paying the gross amount after the 10th, maybe extend it to the 20th, I really don't see a downside to this, and think it may help others. Any opinions?

This may or may not be of help but the city can set your account up for autopay. My bill is deducted on the 15th of month. This would give some extra days but it is an automatic deduction from your checking account.

momma · #7 02-02-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Rook

As I see it and according to the ordinance, the readers have certain "cycle" areas they read during specific times each month. Changing 1 customer to a different cycle obligates the city to do it for everyone. Once that happens, the readers are skipping all over town reading meters here and there. It's better to leave the ordinance as is and try to hold finances in reserve to pay the bill later in the month.

The process as how they do it is understood. There are other ways to do it; I don't think anyone has sat down to pick each other's brains.

The girls claim there aren't enough people in the office to do the billing.

Face it times are changing. We are behind times. Why no online option to pay? Yes I know they have automatic bank draft but not everyone can do that. They have rules about that. I am fortunate to be able to do that. Some people can't afford the bill pay on the bank account or don't have that service. It just seems like there should be a better way to do it and make it easier for folks to pay. Have a happier crew all around.