HomeMy WebLinkAbout28 Utility Billing Policies and Procedures Assessment
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
Item #: 28
Contact Name: Steven Weber Department Director: Steven Weber
Contact Number: Ext. 1520 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Utility Billing Policies and Procedures Assessment. (Finance Director Weber and
Utilities Director Bolling)
Background Summary:
The City initiated a comprehensive review of its utility billing operations after identifying inconsistent
application of billing processes, outdated municipal code language, and legacy procedures that no longer
aligned with current operational needs. COVID-era practices that have remained in place further contribute to
inefficiencies. To address these concerns, the City engaged GoldmanWolfe to conduct a utility billing
assessment. This included review of City Codes, day-to-day utility billing processes and outstanding
receivables to identify risks affecting billing collections. City practices were also compared against peer
municipalities, including Winter Garden, Apopka, and Clermont.
The assessment highlights several opportunities to enhance internal controls, improve reporting accuracy, and
promote fair and consistent billing practices.
Operational changes to improve the billing process have already been implemented. Policy changes related to
collections, leak adjustments, deposits and fees require City Commission approval. Utilities Director Bolling
and Finance Director Weber will present a summary of the recommendations, highlight areas where corrective
action has been taken, and present a timeline for items to be considered by the Commission.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commission authorize staff to move forward with preparing utility billing
policy and ordinances updates?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and City Commission authorize staff to move forward with
preparing utility billing policy and ordinance updates.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
No finacial impact.
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City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Type of Item: Regular
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