Board approves contract to allow Utilities Dpt. to terminate service to delinquent sewer accounts

According to a Branson government press release, Branson Utilities can terminate service to delinquent sewer accounts; the full press release provides more information below.

BRANSON, Mo – At the August 9, 2022, regular Board of Aldermen meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen voted to approve a contract that will allow the City of Branson’s Utilities Department to terminate service to delinquent sewer accounts.

While current city code requires the discontinuance of service to customers who hold delinquent accounts for both water and sewer, some accounts utilize City of Branson sewer but use Public Water Supply District No. 3 (PWSD) of Taney County for water. The City had no authorization to terminate PWSD’s accounts, even if they were delinquent. The passing of Bill No. 6190 means the Branson Utilities Department has entered into an agreement with PWSD and is now able to terminate service to any delinquent sewer account that utilizes PWSD. 

The City has 222 delinquent accounts with the top four totaling more than $5 million in bills. Of the $5 million, approximately $4,950,641 is from penalties that have accrued in each of the four accounts. The actual sewage usage (total charges) for those four accounts mentioned above is just over $19,000.

If a City of Branson Utilities customer doesn’t pay their monthly bill, 5% interest is charged from the date the account is delinquent. For example, if month one is delinquent, sewer consumption plus interest is charged. If it is unpaid in month two as well, month one’s total owed plus the current month’s usage and interest is the new total owed. 

Water and sewer charges are the main sources of revenue for the Utilities Department which covers operations and maintenance of the existing utility system. The monthly usage charges are deposited in the Water/Sewer fund which is a separate fund from the City’s General Fund. Passing Bill No. 6190 is a positive step forward to ensure the City can take a proactive approach regarding delinquent accounts.