Iola will refrain from disconnecting utilities if the weather forecast calls for cold temperatures.
City Council members adopted a “Cold Weather Rule” policy that forbids the disconnection of past-due accounts if the temperature is expected to dip below 32 degrees within the following 24 hours.
The new policy also contains a provision forbidding disconnections from happening on Fridays.
The cold-weather policies already were followed on an informal basis, City Clerk Roxanne Hutton noted previously. She also noted utilities already were disconnected only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Angie Murphy, speaking on behalf the Allen County Connectors, a group of local volunteers who assist area families in need, asked if the policy could be expanded to include wind chill forecasts.
She noted at least twice in recent months that utilities were disconnected on days in which the temperature stayed above 32, but wind chill readings were in the low 20s.
She also wondered if utility service would be restored if they were disconnected for several days and cold weather loomed.
“I don’t think that’s the way other cities work,” responded Councilman Jon Wells. “It’s bad, but this is the business part of utilities.”
Iola’s policy gives customers 30 days to pay their bill without a late penalty. A 5 percent fee is added, and additional 10 days are given for the customer to pay before electric service is disconnected, and a $25 late fee is assessed. If another week passes and the bill remains in arrears, gas and water service are then disconnected, and another $25 late fee is assessed.
Iola’s penalties still are more lax than neighboring communities, Hutton noted. The city also gives residents more time to pay their utilities without a late fee.
THE ALLEN County Farmers Market will have a new home when it reopens for the 2016 growing season in April.
The Farmers Market will continue to operate Thursdays, starting at 5 p.m., but now it will be placed along Jefferson Avenue, between Madison and East streets.
Debbie Bearden, one of the market’s organizers, said merchants along Jefferson have requested the market on their side of the square. She waited until such a request was unanimous before bringing it to the Council.
As an aside, Thrive Allen County is moving its headquarters to the old Treasure Chest building soon, and will have restroom facilities for marketgoers.
The Farmers Market opens April 14.
THE COUNCIL approved a bid from D&R Lawn Care LLC to mow the acres of undeveloped green space owned by the city in south Iola, at a cost of $42.66 per hour.
The D&R bid was the only one received, noted Code Enforcement Officer Shonda Jefferis.
