NEW UTILITY BILLS
OFFER NEW GREEN OPTIONS

Sarasota, FL:  In an effort to be more cost effective and environmentally friendly, the City of Sarasota is unveiling a new utility statement during its next billing cycle beginning May 6th.  Not only is the layout more user friendly, you will have the option of going green and receiving your bill on-line.

“The new e-billing system is going to be a savings for the City reducing costs for postage, paper, envelopes and printing,” said Mike Healy, Utilities Billing Supervisor.  “It will be more convenient for customers who opt for it.  They’ll receive an electronic pdf copy of their bill on-line in their in-box. Then, they can pay it on-line with a credit card, sign up for “Express Pay” automatic savings/checking debit, write a check and mail it or stop by the utilities office and pay.  There are so many options to go green.” It is anticipated 15% of the City’s 18,000 water customers will opt for e-billing, translating into a savings of more than $1,000 per month for the City.  The savings will be generated through lower costs associated with paper, printing, envelopes and postage.

Whether you receive your statement via e-mail or traditional post, you’ll notice the utility bill’s extreme makeover.   It is much easier to read and locate information.  “The layout is designed for the customer,” said Healy.  “Besides the usual information, you’ll see a small box where your water consumption history will be detailed.  It’ll show the current month, the previous month and last year’s total water usage.  So, you’ll have comparisons right at your fingertips.”  The layout also allows the Utilities Office to print short messages directly onto the bills if needed, rather than using extra paper and stuffing envelopes.

The City of Sarasota contracted with Municipal Code Corporation, a Florida-based company, which specializes in providing statement processing for local governments.  Among MCC’s current client list: City of Bradenton, Zephyrhills, DeLand, Coconut Creek, Ochechobee and Miami Gardens.

To register for e-billing visit:  http://www.sarasotagov.com/eBilling.htm

 

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com