Council votes to continue budget billing program

The Newcastle City Council voted to continue the budget billing program for city utilities, despite tepid participation in the initial six-month trial period. 

On June 2, Stacy Haggerty, Newcastle’s clerk-treasurer, referenced the program, noting it was time for the six-month review and consideration of continuing the program. 

She told the council that the program only has four current customers after beginning with six. In January when the program was approved, the council allowed for up to 10 participants. 

According to Haggerty, the two customers who are no longer on the program were removed because they could not adhere to the agreement. 

Councilman John Butts said that he believes the council should keep the program, and Mayor Tyrel Owens suggested the city advertise the program more. 

“It was such a big concern. To only have six take advantage of a 10-person program when so many people were outraged, it is kind of mystifying me,” Owens said, referencing a public outcry that accompanied city utility rate increases several months ago. 

Councilman Chris Kenney suggested the council keep the program through the summer months to see if there is an increase in interest. Owens agreed that summer water usage could spark more interest in the budget program. 

He noted that the program is for 10 customers, and suggested that the council should also consider opening it up to more people. 

“To be honest, I am comfortable with it,” Haggerty said, suggesting the council could advertise for a month to see how many sign up. 

“Putting on the budget billing is not difficult. It is a few minor adjustments,” she said. 

The council agreed and a motion to continue the program and open it up to more people was approved.