Tuesday's Internet Edition, July 08, 2008.
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Lexington’s City Council has changed the way they will be billing for utilities. Starting January 1, 2005, all utility bills will be due on the 1st and a 10% penalty will be added after the 3rd rather than after the 5th. Disconnect for non-paid bills will be on the 6th, rather than the 9th, and a $35 reconnect fee will be charged.
The Leader was told that the City Council voted to make these changes on the utility billing approximately three months ago; however, no information was released to the public until now.
When asked if the City would allow for a grace period during this first month because many people might be out of town for the holidays, and because no earlier notice was given, Mayor Robert Willrich said, “The City Council was very clear on the point that there would be no exceptions this first [holiday] month.”
Some of the City Council members considered making disconnect for unpaid utility bills on the third of each month; however it was brought to their attention that most Social Security recipients do not receive their check until the third of the month. Therefore, the Council agreed to make the disconnect on the 6th.