Walhalla sets late fees, cutoff charges

In a pair of votes, Walhalla leaders have established new fees and rules covering late payments for utility customers and at what point delinquent bill payers are subject to lose service. But lengthy discussion last night showed that the mayor and council approached their votes with trepidation—worried that they’ll achieve a balance between those customers who can’t or won’t pay and the city staff that finds itself taking extra time to resolve overdue accounts. An amended ordinance was approved on 5 to 2 votes. The balance due to on a bill was raised to $75 dollars, from $15 dollars. “The cutoff for non-payment fee will remain at $65 dollars,” as explained by Mayor Danny Edwards. The mayor, who cast one of the dissenting votes, in closing last night’s meeting, indicated that if the new billing rules cause problems, the council is free to make further changes. Before last night’s amended second reading vote, the mayor opened the floor to audience comment. Kelvin Bryant expressed concern that the rules won’t go far enough to help some customers enough time to pay their monthly bills once they are received. And Randy Chastain, one of Edwards’ three challengers for mayor, got into a back-and-forth with the mayor and council about why at this time the city was changing its policies.