Keokuk Municipal Waterworks is planning to offer a refund to certain customers if they sign up for a new billing program.
General Manager Andrea Rogers informed the Keokuk City Council in a letter that Waterworks is purchasing new billing software that will allow for easier auto-payments through a checking or savings account. The system will also allow for electronic billing.
She said because of the software, Waterworks will be able to eliminate its $100 security deposits in specific cases.
“The Waterworks is proposing to waive or apply the (required security) deposit with participation in the direct payment plan,” said Rogers. “For existing customers, the deposit would be applied to their account. The deposit amount may vary based on the deposit on file. For new customers, the deposit would be waived.”
Waterworks estimates that about half of its customers pay their bills by check, mail, or in-person.
The city’s sewer bills also appear on the water bills.
Waterworks would like the city to also rebate/waive the $30 deposit if a customer signs up for direct payments. City Administrator Aaron Burnett said the city is open to the proposal.
Rogers said Waterworks is also considering converting from two monthly billing cycles to one and setting bill due dates to the same date each month.
She said the new system should be in place this summer.
