TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Leanna Pearson, Assistant Finance Director
SUBJECT:
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Consideration and Direction to Staff Regarding the City’s Current Water Shutoff Policy and Procedures
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
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Review and discuss the City’s current Water Shutoff Policy and related procedures; and
Provide direction to staff as to whether the City’s current water shut-off policy and efforts to avoid shut-off requires revision.
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SUMMARY:
The City of Red Bluff conducts water service shutoffs for delinquent accounts on a monthly basis. Under the City’s current policy, accounts that are at least 60 days past due are eligible for disconnection. The City’s procedures are designed to provide customers with multiple opportunities to bring their accounts current or establish payment arrangements before service is disconnected.
The finance department initiates between 20-25 shutoffs monthly. Over half of those accounts are reconnected the same day. Around 10%-15% result in a new customer sign-up. The City makes every attempt possible to mitigate utility shutoff by offering past due amortization plans to any customer who makes this request. Before the August 26, 2026, scheduled shutoff, the City had 11 active payment arrangements in place. Once service has been disconnected, a reconnection fee is charged to the account, and a deposit may be required.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
The last update to AP&P 18-11b-Shutoff Policy for Delinquent Water and Sewer Service was adopted by the City Council at their meeting on November 5, 2019.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recognize that water service is an essential service and that delinquent utility accounts may result from a variety of financial or personal circumstances. The City's procedures therefore provide multiple opportunities for customers to communicate with staff and resolve delinquency before service is disconnected.
Senate Bill 998, approved by the Governor of California on Septem...
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