Section 4 Finance
Policy 4-3 PAYMENT OF BILLS-EXTENTION OF TIME
DISTRIBUTION: All Departments
SUBJECT: Payment of Utility Bills - Extension of Time
PURPOSE: To establish a formal, written policy to allow for specialarrangements
for
individuals in need for payment of utility bills. To establish criteria
for granting an extension
of time to pay utility bill.
BACKGROUND: Chapter 22-104 (c), Lawton City Code, 1995, specifies that
in those cases
in which the Finance Director or the Supervisor, Revenue Services determines the facts warrant
an extension of time to pay utility bills, an extension may be granted by the Finance Director or
Supervisor, Revenue Services, as authorized by guidelines from the City Manager.
The City Manager has previously given verbal guidance to the Finance Director and Supervisor,
Revenue Services in this regard; however, a written policy is needed to establish specific criteria
for the granting of an extension. This policy will protect against abuse of the agreement program
by limiting the number of extensions, limiting the extension period, and establishing a minimum
payment amount.
POLICY/
PROCEDURES: The Finance Director or Supervisor, Revenue Services may grant
extension
of time for payment of a utility bill in accordance with the following guidelines.
1. Only two (2) agreements may be made during a twelve (12) month period and
agreements
must be at least four (4) months apart.
2. Customer must pay a minimum of $15.00 on the bill; however, fifty (50%) percent
may be
required.
3. The Agreement will be made only with and by the account holder.
4. Authority to make agreements to grant an extension of time is delegated to
the Customer
Service Representatives, Revenue Services Department.
5. Any agreement which provides for an extension of more than thirty (30) days
must be
approved by the Revenue Services Supervisor, Finance Director, or designated representative.
REFERENCES: Chapter 22-104 (c), Lawton City Code, 1995.
RESPONSIBLE
DEPARTMENT: Finance
RESCISSION: This policy becomes effective May 22, 1996.
_____________________________
Gilbert H. Schumpert, Jr.
City Manager
May 20, 1995