Hold city of Banning accountable for utility bill errors

Recent signers:
Nikka Far and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

For the past two years, my mother, who lives on a fixed income, has faced erratic and inconsistent utility billing from the City of Banning. There have been extended periods when she received no bills, followed by sudden, exorbitant amounts demanding payment. Even after settling one bill, another arrives just two weeks later, adding to her financial stress and uncertainty. It is clear that this is not just an issue for one family, but a systemic problem affecting many residents, who similarly struggle to budget for these unexpected and unexplained charges.

Residents of Banning deserve transparent, predictable, and fair billing practices. The ongoing billing issues are not just inconvenient but deeply troubling, particularly for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. It is unacceptable for the city to place such undue financial burdens on its residents due to internal mismanagement or errors.

I urge the City of Banning to conduct a thorough review of their billing processes and address these errors immediately. Implementing automated billing systems and providing customers with accurate and timely bills should be top priority. The city should also offer clear communication channels for residents to report and resolve any billing discrepancies quickly.

Furthermore, I call for the city to retroactively audit all affected accounts, adjusting bills as necessary, and providing refunds where overpayments have occurred. An independent oversight committee should be established to ensure fairness and transparency in all utility billing matters moving forward.

We, the residents of Banning, need your support in demanding accountability and action from our city officials. This is more than just a billing issue; it is about ensuring a fair and just system for everyone.

Sign this petition to demand that the City of Banning takes responsibility for the utility bill errors, corrects past mistakes, and prevents future occurrences.

342

Recent signers:
Nikka Far and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

For the past two years, my mother, who lives on a fixed income, has faced erratic and inconsistent utility billing from the City of Banning. There have been extended periods when she received no bills, followed by sudden, exorbitant amounts demanding payment. Even after settling one bill, another arrives just two weeks later, adding to her financial stress and uncertainty. It is clear that this is not just an issue for one family, but a systemic problem affecting many residents, who similarly struggle to budget for these unexpected and unexplained charges.

Residents of Banning deserve transparent, predictable, and fair billing practices. The ongoing billing issues are not just inconvenient but deeply troubling, particularly for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. It is unacceptable for the city to place such undue financial burdens on its residents due to internal mismanagement or errors.

I urge the City of Banning to conduct a thorough review of their billing processes and address these errors immediately. Implementing automated billing systems and providing customers with accurate and timely bills should be top priority. The city should also offer clear communication channels for residents to report and resolve any billing discrepancies quickly.

Furthermore, I call for the city to retroactively audit all affected accounts, adjusting bills as necessary, and providing refunds where overpayments have occurred. An independent oversight committee should be established to ensure fairness and transparency in all utility billing matters moving forward.

We, the residents of Banning, need your support in demanding accountability and action from our city officials. This is more than just a billing issue; it is about ensuring a fair and just system for everyone.

Sign this petition to demand that the City of Banning takes responsibility for the utility bill errors, corrects past mistakes, and prevents future occurrences.
171 people signed this week

342


The Decision Makers

Richard Royce
Richard Royce
Mayor of Banning, CA
Responded
Utility Billing Update We are just about caught up to current utility usage and billing statements. Depending on your route, billing dates can be the first, second, third, or last week of March. This statement should be for February’s usage. It may take a few more weeks for all the accounts to settle (usage/credits). During the next couple of months everyone should consider going back and looking at historical billings and credits. If there are any discrepancies, they can be worked out during the 3 month grace period. During this time there will still be no late fees, credit card service fees, or termination of utilities. After the grace period, around May or June, any remaining balances can be addressed via a payment plan; 6 or 12 months. During the payment plan, there will still be no late fees, but the credit card service fee will no longer be waived. During the payment plan, termination of utilities can still occur but only after a series of considerations: The willful and wanted disregard for failing to make any payments for 60 days. Failure to comply with any special arrangements agreed upon after working with City Manager, or their designee, on a case by case basis. Insuring there is no harmful impact on those dependent on medical or life support equipment. The city is also sponsoring another workshop to assist people with low income on finding financial assistance via LIHEAP and BEU: March 25th 9:00am-2:00pm City Hall 99 E Ramsey Street Banning CA 92220 Https://Capriverside.org/utility-assistance-program
Gladys Savage
Banning City Treasurer
Banning City Council
5 Members
Colleen Wallace
Banning City Council - District 5
Reuben Gonzales
Banning City Council - District 4
Sheri Flynn
Banning City Council - District 3

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