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City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2021 <br />Against: 0 <br />MAIN MOTION: to approve Resolution 2021-147R, as amended. The motion <br />carried by the following vote: <br />For: 7 - Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, Mayor Hughson, Council Member Baker, Council Member <br />Gonzales, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Council Member Garza and Council <br />Member Gleason <br />Against: 0 <br />42. Receive an update and hold discussion regarding the utility assistance program and <br />disconnections for non-payment and late fees, and provide direction to Staff. <br />Marie Kalka, Finance Director, provided a brief presentation on the utility <br />assistance program and disconnections for non-payment and late fees. Ms. <br />Kalka stated staff revamped the application and flyer and they are both <br />printed in English and Spanish. <br />Ms. Kalka stated as of today the remaining balance for the utility assistance <br />program is $457K. <br />The Residential Active Account Analysis as of 07/22/2021 shows: <br />234 accounts are 61-90 days for a total due of $109,355 <br />865 accounts are greater than 90 days for a total due of $1,094,039 <br />Total for all accounts 1,099 for a total amount due $1,203,394 <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Scott would like to forgive the debt and start billing <br />customers the following month. Ms. Kalka stated on the legal perspective that <br />we couldn't do it without an application. She mentioned these are public funds <br />and we would need documentation on file. <br />Mayor Hughson asked City Attorney Cosentino if we can do this vote given <br />the agenda posting? Mr. Cosentino stated yes, we can. <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Scott made a motion to use American Rescue funding of <br />$697,986.88 to pay all utility debts that are over 30 days due as of today and <br />for the rest of the funding needed to just pay it from the utility funds. <br />Gonzales seconded. <br />Mr. Lumbreras stated there are implications on not collecting fees. <br />Mayor Hughson expressed concerns about paying off all utility debts without <br />the simple application form being submitted. She noted that $1,500 is a lot of <br />money to receive just for completing a simple form which can be done <br />City of San Marcos Page 23 <br />