Board of Utility Appeals

Members

  • Charlene Hale, Board Member
    Term Expires: December 31, 2024
  • Raymond Nichols, Board Member
    Term Expires: December 31, 2022
  • Ryan Perry, Council Member
    Term Expires: December 31, 2022

Area of Responsibility

The Utility Appeals Board conducts appeal hearings with regard to utility billings that the City Treasurer and the Service Director have rendered decisions.

Process

  • Any consumer who is billed for water, sewer, or trash has questions regarding the accuracy of the bill must notify the Treasurer that they dispute the bill. The Treasurer will investigate and render a decision.
  • If the consumer is still not satisfied, they can appeal the decision to the Service Director. The Service Director will hold a hearing and render a decision in writing.
  • If the consumer is still not satisfied, they can appeal the decision to the Board of Utility Appeals with a written request to review the appeal within ten days of the Service Director's decision.

Legislative Reference

  • Appointed by: City Council
  • Legal Basis: City Charter, Article VI
  • Ordinance: Part Two, Title Eight, Chapter 279
  • Term: 3 Years

Purpose & Duties

There is hereby established a Board of Utility Appeals. The Board shall consist of three citizens of the City to be appointed for three-year terms by Council, except for the initial Board to which one of the three members shall be appointed for a one-year term and another member for a two-year term. The Board shall promptly conduct a hearing to determine whether a utility bill was accurately rendered, whether any adjustment should be made for a lack of service or any other issue in which there is a factual dispute, such as a consumer's notice of termination and its effective date. Hearings shall be conducted under oath and recorded.

Advisors

City staff shall provide advice and technical support for the Board of Utility Appeals, but do not work for the Board. Staff is to be treated with respect and human dignity. Any breach or abuse of this may result in dismissal by the City Council.

Removal

The City Council shall have the right to remove, for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance, by a two-thirds vote of Council, any appointed member of the Board of Utility Appeals. Members are expected to be present at all meetings, if possible. If the member is unexcused for two consecutive meetings, they may be removed from the Board with a two-thirds vote of the Council.