PAWNEE, Okla. — Pawnee is laid back.
The kind of place that still has Christmas decor up in February. Folks in town have a sense of pride.
“I think we really care about our town, and I think that’s what makes us unique,” Kerry Roche of Pawnee said.
2 News Oklahoma listened to Roche’s thoughts on a situation surrounding utility bills in which Pawnee’s laid-back attitude had to change.
WATCH: Pawnee utility repayment plan:
“Lot of people kind of got used to owing a lot of money in the past and the city needs the money,” Roche said “We need to collect our dues.”
The Pawnee City Council passed the “Utility Recovery Plan.” Several customers around Pawnee racked up a big bill for their utilities. Pawnee let some of those accounts slide but is now calling due.
“I pay my bill. I think it’s possible,” Roche said.
KEY POINTS OF THE PROGRAM
- Customers with a past due balance must arrange a payment plan in person at City Hall, 510 Illinois St, Pawnee, OK 74058.
- Utility debt payments will be split evenly over 11 months.
- The debt payments are expected on top of regular monthly charges.
- Debt payments are due on the 20th of each month.
- Late fees will be added starting on the 21st.
- Utilities will shut off if payments are not made by the close of business on the 27th.
In one example, the city cited an outstanding balance of $5,000; which means a bill of about $450 a month.
2 News Oklahoma tried to find out how long these bills have been adding up and how it happened. A message left with a receptionist at city hall went unanswered. Upon entering city hall, an employee said the mayor was too busy for an interview.
“What if people are not able to pay that? What happens?” Brandi Johnson said, “There’s elder people out there who are on fixed incomes. Like they’re just gonna shut their electric off and that’s it?”
Yes. By all indications, Pawnee crews will shut off power on past-due accounts if payment arrangements are not kept. The debt payments are due on top of regular monthly dues.
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