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May 12, 2020 <br /> <br />With regard to the six-month suspension of water service, sewer maintenance, and <br />storm water management fee increases, I am leery of that approach. Those who <br />would have difficulties paying the additional charges because of Covid-19-induced <br />economic hardship would likely have the same difficulty paying their public service <br />bills at current levels. <br /> <br />I believe the better strategy would be to move forward with the original <br />recommendation, but to offer deferred payment plans for those in financial distress. <br />We could learn from the examples of the regulated utility companies in terms of <br />how we provide relief. Dominion Energy offers its customers a level payment <br />option whereby overall usage for the year is averaged to a uniform monthly charge <br />and adjusted at the end of the plan year. They also have a fund to which customers <br />can contribute to provide subsidies to others who are struggling to pay their energy <br />bills. The city could implement both of those options, as well as waiving interest <br />and penalties for those in greater need. The billion-dollar baby -- i. e., the sewer <br />overflow consent order -- has to be satisfied. We cannot afford to dally, and <br />drawing down our reserves early in the economic downturn is a risky proposition. <br /> <br /> <br />Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, PO Box 50141 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />