Piedmont council reconsidering utility billing change

A public outcry In proposed changes in utility billing in the city of piedmont has forced the city council to consider restoring the late payment date for the cities utility customers. Earlier this year the council approved fixing the late-payment date on the 10th of each month, rather than the 15th. The change was to begin in October. Council members said they had been approached by many residents protesting the change, with one council member saying it was a problem for them. Saying if it was a problem for them, it’s a problem for me. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Baker, who presided over Tuesdays meeting in the absence of Mayor Rick Freeman, said a committee will review the policy change once more before it goes into effect. Baker also asked City Clerk Michelle Franklin to ask the mayor to reconsider a change that leaves council members locked out of administrative offices at city hall. Council members said Freeman placed a lock with a key code on doors that lead to the administrative offices, a move that keeps council members from freely entering. The city placed a small bell at the front window, which council members and the public ring to get service at the city office. At the same time the council members’ mailboxes were moved out of the administrative area into a common area.