Rayne Utility Bill Delay -- Not City’s Fault

Mayor explains reason for delay

Steve Bandy
Rayne Acadian-Tribune

As late as Monday some Rayne citizens were just receiving their utility bills — something that normally occurs on or very close to the first of each month.
Mayor Chuck Robichaux said city hall has been flooded with calls from citizens since the middle of last week, “So many calls that we had to set up a special message because no one could get any other work done.”
That message was still active Tuesday.
The mayor said the problem was not with the city, but with the U.S. Postal Service.
“We did our part,” Robichaux said. “We dropped off the bulk mail on June 30, plenty of time — we thought — for it to be delivered Friday or Saturday ... Tuesday (July 5) at the latest.”
However, even though the bills have been delivered late, the mayor explained that citizens should make every effort possible to pay their bills on time or late fees and possible interruption of service may occur.
“All that — due date, cut-off date, even the late fee — is set by ordinance,” Robichaux explained.
Robichaux said he called the local post office and learned that the mail had been shipped “to Baton Rouge or New Orleans.”
In an email to local Postmaster Daryl Villejoin dated July 7, Robichaux requested affirmation that the mail had been dropped off there “in the normal time frame allowed to be received by our customers” in a timely manner.
“He finally called and I think he said they’d found (the bills) in Tennessee,” Robichaux said.
The mayor also addressed what he called “a spike in utilities” for last month.
“The summer heat is here,” he said. “Our rates (charges billed to the city) change based on usage and demand.”
Robichaux said the formula used to calculate individual bills also is set by ordinance and “is the same one we’ve been using for years — probably dating back to Mayor (Ralph) Stutes.”
He said the formula calculates to about 3 cents per kilowatt hour over and above the wholesale cost to the city.
“Unfortunately, they are what they are,” Robichaux said. “Mine went up to and I have to pay it.
“Of course, we will work with you within reason to help you pay your utilities.”
Utility payments normally are due by the 16th of each month. However, since the 16th is Saturday, payment must be received by July 18. After that the “late charge” will kick in.
If the utility bill is not paid by July 25 (usually the 23rd, which is again also a Saturday this month), service may be terminated.

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