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| CITY SETS UP
NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE CONNECTION TO WATER DEPARTMENT |
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The City of Akron Public Utilities Bureau implemented new billing and customer information software for water, sewer and curbservice late last year. Due to the conversion process for the new billing software, bills have been delayed, and customers calling to inquire are deluging the phone system causing prolonged wait times and busy signals. Reliable customer billing dates will be established by April 2000 so customers can expect their water bill to arrive around the same day each month. The Public Utilities Bureau recognizes customers need a consistent billing date for their budgets and automatic payment plans. It will be necessary to send out bills more often than one time per month in February and March to get the billing process back on schedule. During this time, customers may receive a bill before the due date of the previous bill, or may receive a bill that does not reflect a recent payment. Customers will not have their water turned off or be assessed a penalty if they pay by the due date on their bill. A number of customers in West Akron, Firestone Park, Fairlawn and Mogadore received a delinquent/turn-off notice prior to the due date on their bill. These notices were sent out in error. The Public Utilities Bureau has taken the necessary steps to avoid this situation from recurring. Some customers have noticed they have received an amended bill. The system software is now updating---with actual readings--- customers’ previous estimated bills. This is to ensure more accurate billing for customers when an estimated bill is necessary in the future. The balance due shown on the recalculated bill should include previous payments made on the account. While the Public Utilities Bureau works to get the billing on schedule, there will be sections of the service area where meter reading efforts will be shortened or deferred to the next quarter. Do not be concerned if a meter reader does not come to your house in the next few months. The Public Utilities Bureau does encourage its customers to send in actual meter reading information to be used in calculating future bills. Please send your name, address, account number, and meter reading, and date of meter reading:
Customers should not call the number listed on their water bill. They should call the number listed above. Effective February 14, 2000, customer service links will be available on the Utilities Services Division web page to assist customers in contacting the business office. To access the links, go to the City of Akron Internet home page at www.ci.akron.oh.us and click on the box marked Water & Sewer. With these links, customers can send questions regarding water meter readings, billing and payments. The Public Utilities Bureau wishes to apologize for any confusion that may have been caused by the software conversion and implementation process. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time. -END- |
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