WM Utility Commission writes off nearly half-million in unpaid charges

WM Utility Commission writes off nearly half-million in unpaid charges

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Utilities Commission discharged a slate of uncollectable bills from the first six months of 2014 during the board’s July 6 meeting.

Utilites Manager John Rimmer led the discussion as commissioners reviewed the list of delinquent accounts.

“I will say this is about the time we were really getting into cutoffs and really staying on top of everything a little better than we had in the past,” said Rimmer. “I can say 2015 is a lot better — as is the start of ‘16. We are headed in the right direction.”

Some big bills left the Utility Department holding the bag, hitting the utilites hard during 2014. The closure of a hotel, a massive bill from a trailer park and the shut-down of Crittenden Regional Hopsital, all of which went uncollected, contributed to a sizeable total for the commission to handle. Additionally, around 600 residential customers escaped with unpaid and uncollectable bills during the period, with more than 165 customers leaving accounts more than $1,000 in arrears.

“We had $25,000 just for that hotel,” noted Utility Commisioner Jerry Burns.

A southeast-side trailer park had 17 accounts with the city and walked away from aproximately $66,000 in past due utility bills, with half of that total stemming from one account, a customer whose service could not be interrupted due to a medical issue.

The hospital closed in August of 2014, in the second half of the year, so those charge-off totals, while yet to be disclosed, are expected to be large. One health provider located near the hospital closed owing more than $9,500 to the city.

Utility Commission chairman Dana Parker tallied the total.

“That amount is $458,870,” said Parker.

With little recourse, the commision unamiously voted to approve the charge-offs for the first semi-anual period.

By John Rech