Investigate the Banning billing department for wrong charges

Recent signers:
Francisco Calderon and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Like many residents in the city of Banning, I've been shocked to see my utility bills increase despite efforts to be energy efficient. Since installing solar panels, I expected a reduction in water, sewer, and electric costs, but instead, my bills have continued to rise. It's alarming when basic utilities drain your finances, especially during difficult times like the pandemic.

Many residents of Banning have reported similar issues, suggesting that there could be widespread problems within the city's billing department. Some have found inexplicable charges on their accounts dating back to the pandemic, raising concerns about potential mismanagement or errors that need thorough investigation.

The pandemic impacted everyone's lives, and financial stability became a concern for all. It's critical that during a time where every dollar counts, residents are appropriately billed and not unduly burdened by errors or misconduct.

There is an urgent need for transparency and accountability from the Banning billing department. To ensure residents are only paying for their actual consumption and not footing the bill for mistakes, an independent audit of the department is essential. Such an audit would confirm if there are discrepancies and help initiate corrective measures if necessary.

I urge the city council of Banning to take this matter seriously and launch a formal investigation into the billing practices of the city's utility department. Residents deserve clarity and fairness when it comes to their utility bills. Only by addressing these billing issues can trust be rebuilt between the citizens and the Banning government.

Please sign this petition to demand a thorough investigation of the Banning billing department and advocate for fair and transparent billing practices for all residents. Your signature will help in pushing for necessary changes that ensure all residents are treated justly and can trust the systems meant to serve them.

581

Recent signers:
Francisco Calderon and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Like many residents in the city of Banning, I've been shocked to see my utility bills increase despite efforts to be energy efficient. Since installing solar panels, I expected a reduction in water, sewer, and electric costs, but instead, my bills have continued to rise. It's alarming when basic utilities drain your finances, especially during difficult times like the pandemic.

Many residents of Banning have reported similar issues, suggesting that there could be widespread problems within the city's billing department. Some have found inexplicable charges on their accounts dating back to the pandemic, raising concerns about potential mismanagement or errors that need thorough investigation.

The pandemic impacted everyone's lives, and financial stability became a concern for all. It's critical that during a time where every dollar counts, residents are appropriately billed and not unduly burdened by errors or misconduct.

There is an urgent need for transparency and accountability from the Banning billing department. To ensure residents are only paying for their actual consumption and not footing the bill for mistakes, an independent audit of the department is essential. Such an audit would confirm if there are discrepancies and help initiate corrective measures if necessary.

I urge the city council of Banning to take this matter seriously and launch a formal investigation into the billing practices of the city's utility department. Residents deserve clarity and fairness when it comes to their utility bills. Only by addressing these billing issues can trust be rebuilt between the citizens and the Banning government.

Please sign this petition to demand a thorough investigation of the Banning billing department and advocate for fair and transparent billing practices for all residents. Your signature will help in pushing for necessary changes that ensure all residents are treated justly and can trust the systems meant to serve them.

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
Banning City Council
2 Members
Sheri Flynn
Banning City Council - District 3
Reuben Gonzales
Banning City Council - District 4

Supporter Voices

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