Westminster revises its utility disconnect policy

In the aftermath of one of its distinguished citizens losing his utility service, Westminster City Council last night changed its disconnect policy in favor of a series robo calls that will alert a non-payer that he’s subject to being disconnected unless makes good on his debt.  Councilman Danny Duncan says utility customers should get “a courtesy call” 48 hours in advance of losing service.  The city will pay a company $3,500 a year for the robo call service.  The revision was initiated after Cecil Sandifer, mortician, former mayor, former state lawmaker, recently was disconnected.  In a few days, Sandifer will turn 97 years old.  In a letter read at last night’s meeting, Sandifer said, “I am looking at this situation as a blessing if it could benefit others who may have their power and water disconnected without notice.  As you are aware, there are many vulnerable people in our community, including the elderly and those suffering illnesses that require life-saving medical equipment whose lives could be in danger if they lose power without notice.”