HUBBARD Residents speak out on utility payments

Lawmakers said they might consider increasing fire department funding.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City residents expressed pros and cons about city council's recent revamping of the utility bill payment policy.
Effective with the August billing, customers are required to pay their bills by the 25th of the month or their service will be shut off the next day.
Council President John Darko told residents Monday night that the new law isn't much different than the previous policy, other than clarifying the shutoff date and increasing fees.
He said the action was taken because the city was losing $28,000 annually in delinquencies, although more than 95 percent of residents were paying their bills on time.
"That's a problem for us," Darko told residents of the delinquencies.
Larry Jacobs of Henry Street asserted the city is collecting interest on the $100 security deposit required by the city, money the city should return to customers.
Jacobs also recommended that a budget plan be established for those who cannot pay.
Not the answer?
Councilman John Marshall, D-2nd, and Councilwoman Lisha Pompili-Baumiller, D-3rd, said that even if a budget is established for delinquent customers, they still won't pay.
Darko explained that customers with hardships can work out a payment plan with the safety-service director.
Auditor Michael Villano reported there were 250 delinquencies in August with the number dipping to 142 as of Sept. 30.
"That's an improvement," Villano asserted.
One resident termed the one-day-to-pay plan as "too harsh."
Jeff Sampson of Moore Street, however, told lawmakers they made the right decision because there is no excuse for not paying on time.
But Jim Lewis of Viola Avenue argued that customers on vacation or with medical problems face having their utilities shut off.
Darko countered that the city is aware of customers with medical difficulties, while Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, said customers can arrange for automatic payment through their checking or savings accounts.
In other business, safety director Robert Paterniti said council should consider increasing the millage to support the volunteer fire department.
He said the department needs a part-time administrator that also would perform inspections.
The department's proposed budget will increase because of the purchase of a new firetruck, Paterniti said.
During the caucus session before the meeting, Darko recommended that lawmakers look at pay raises for the mayor, law director and police chief.
The mayor is paid $29,375annually, and the law director earns $26,000. Council has not increased their salaries since 1992. The police chief is paid $39,158.
Councilman Douglas Rohrer, D-at large, reported that brush pickup has been suspended because there is no place to put the brush. Leaf pickup will continue.
yovich@vindy.com