City looks at electrical policies
Staff writer
Hillsboro city council is considering what to include in a policy for power customers who generate their own electricity.
Tuesday was not the first time the council has discussed developing such a policy. In October, city administrator Larry Paine brought information on the subject but had not prepared information on standards for connecting customers to the city system.
Paine said no citizens have yet asked to have meters connected for this purpose, but the city did get a phone call asking about its policy.
“It’s time to look at a policy,” Paine said.
People dependent on electricity for medical needs that would be jeopardized by a shut-off could get extra time to pay under a proposal advanced by Paine.
He proposes that customers who require continuous electrical access for medical reasons submit a signed release from a medical practitioner indicating the need as a medical necessity, and that the city send a letter to the customer notifying them that the city will disconnect service in 30 days if they don’t take action to bring the account current.
Under current policy, the city mails a shut-off notice giving delinquent customers 10 days to bring the account current and then the city can shut off power.
Three city employees were recognized for years of service. Doug Sisk and Jason Plett were given awards for 10 years of service and Ben Steketee was given an award for 15 years.
Council members renewed a shared use agreement with USD 410 for use of city-owned sports facilities for $4,250 per year.