Update 8/25/2024

The city has heard our voices and is taking action! Im encouraged by their quick response and action plan to change the current billing system, but will continue to monitor that all of Illinois Administrative Code 280 will be adhered to going forward with this new system. Thank you for your support and sharing our petition! 

Here’s a link to the story on WJBD

https://southernillinoisnow.com/2024/08/21/city-of-salem-working-on-fix-to-late-arriving-utility-bills/

 

Update 8/6/2024

I presented the petition to The City of Salem, City Council last night 8/5/2024. When I got home I looked into the legality of the system currently in use and not only are the post cards out of compliance with state statutes, but the time line from mailing the bill to due date to shut off/disconnect are out of compliance. I have attached Administrative Code 280.50. Scroll down to section D - Bill Delivery -The bills must be in an envelope. Section E - Due Dates “ Bills for residential customers shall be due a minimum of 21 days after the date they are sent to the customer, and bills for non-residential customers shall be due a minimum of 14 days after the date they are sent to the customer”. 

The current system is not in compliance with the State of Illinois Statutes/ Code.

Here’s is Section 280.50

https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/083/083002800D00500R.html

Here is the whole Administrative Code for Public Utilities

https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/083/08300280sections.html

Let’s work together to fix this problem that is negatively impacting the residents of our community! If you haven’t signed the petition, please add your name to the growing list of concerned Salem residents. Thank You!

Sincerely, Martha Spencer, RN. BSN

To: The City Council of Salem

We, the undersigned residents of Salem, respectfully request that the city make a change to the current method of delivering utility bills. At present, utility bills are sent out on perforated cards, which often encounter issues during delivery via the United States Postal Service (USPS). These issues include, but are not limited to, the perforated cards being torn, damaged, or lost, leading to delayed or missed payments and unnecessary stress for residents. To ensure reliable and consistent delivery of utility bills, we propose that the city switch from using perforated cards to standard letters enclosed in envelopes. This change will provide the following benefits: 

Improved Delivery Integrity: Letters enclosed in envelopes are less likely to be damaged or lost during the mailing process, ensuring that bills are delivered intact and on time.

Enhanced Privacy: Enclosed letters offer greater privacy protection for residents’ sensitive information compared to perforated cards that are more exposed.

 Reduced Stress and Confusion: By ensuring that bills reach residents without damage, the city can help prevent the confusion and stress associated with lost or unreadable bills, thereby fostering better communication and timely payments.

Cost Efficiency in the Long Run: While there may be an initial increase in mailing costs, the reduction in issues related to bill delivery could lead to savings in administrative costs and improved customer satisfaction.

We believe that this change is in the best interest of both the city administration and the residents. We kindly urge the City Council to consider this request and take prompt action to switch to letter-based utility bills.Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
Martha Spencer

8/3/2024