Council Moves to Increase Utility Reconnect Fees to Curb Non-Payment

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025

Article Summary: To discourage habitual non-payment of utility bills, the Casey City Council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would significantly increase utility reconnection fees.

Utility Fee Discussion Key Points:

• Current Rate: The current fee for reconnecting utilities after a shut-off is $25.

• Proposed Rate: The council reached a consensus to raise the fee to $50 during business hours and potentially higher for after-hours service.

• Reasoning: Officials stated the low fee is currently being used as a “crutch” by repeat offenders, necessitating overtime call-outs for city staff.

The Casey City Council on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, reached a consensus to raise utility reconnection fees, aiming to reduce the number of shut-offs and the burden on city employees.

The council discussed the current fee structure, which charges residents $25 to reconnect services after they have been shut off for non-payment, or $50 for after-hours reconnection. City officials argued that the current rates are too low to act as a deterrent.

“We’ve got to the point where the reconnect fee is actually low enough that it’s starting to become a hassle for people using it as a crutch,” Mayor Mike Nichols said. “We’re wanting to try to put enough of a bite into it that they may pay a little bit more attention of paying on time.”

City Attorney Tracy Willenborg advised the council that a rate increase would align Casey with neighboring communities.

“Most of the municipal clients I represent are at least $50 for a reconnect and then the after-hours is double,” Willenborg said.

Alderman Carlene Richardson asked about the frequency of shut-offs. Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs estimated there are anywhere from five to 15 reconnects per month. Mayor Nichols noted that it is often the same households requiring the service repeatedly throughout the year.

The council directed Attorney Willenborg to draft an ordinance establishing the new fees, expected to be $50 for standard reconnections and a higher rate for after-hours service. The ordinance will be presented for a formal vote at a future meeting.