Whitefish mulls changes to utility billing regs

A number of proposed changes to Whitefish utility regulations as they pertain to property owners and renters are the focus of the Whitefish City Council’s work session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall.

There’s been an increasing demand on city staff to manage account turnover for water, sewer and garbage fees. Some properties go through multiple turnovers within one month, and there are increasing costs of service when additional copies of bills have to be mailed for rental properties, according to a staff report.

Currently the city requires a property owner deposit of $150, which is held by the city until the property is sold. Renters pay a $150 utility deposit until their final bill.

The city report noted several owner and renter conflicts, including:

- Property tax liens for delinquent accounts accrued by renters are processed annually.

- Owners requesting shut-off of service to evict a renter.

- Sign-up for services by renters are not done in a timely manner.

- Cost of significant water usage is often paid by the renter, regardless of a property owner’s timeliness to fix a known leak.

The city proposes to eliminate deposits for all accounts, and require accounts to remain in the property owner or property management company’s name. Utility bills would be sent only to the owner or manager of the property.

Further, an additional month is proposed to elapse prior to turn-off of water service and changes to the billing process to eliminate mailing of a late notice. Also proposed are new requirements for properties to connect to city services for water and sewer, and a change to enable the city to process billing for garbage service and be the primary customer service contact.

The goal is to provide more efficient and cost-effective services for city utility customers, the report said.

The city plans to set up a meeting with property management companies this month, and then schedule a public hearing before the council to consider adopting the proposed changes.

The council has a light agenda for its regular meeting that begins at 7:10 p.m.

A proposed license amendment for a Baker Avenue underpass near the railroad tracks and funding consideration is a key discussion topic. The city has been working to secure funding and property access for the proposed underpass. According to a report by interim City Manager Dana Smith, Public Works Director Craig Workman and his team have been leading negotiations with BNSF Railway Co.

On Oct. 23 the city received a proposed supplemental agreement to add certain property to its current license agreement.

“By adding the property for this project to the current license agreement, we will have the license to improve and use the property through the initial term expiring May 19, 2030,” Smith said in her report. “The current license has a renewal option for a 25-year additional term, provided there is no existing default and written notice is made six months or more prior to the termination date.”

City staff is recommending the council review the agreement, commit funding using primarily tax-increment revenue funds and provide authority for the supplemental agreement to be executed by Smith.

News Editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.