Page 223 - HurstFY23AnnualBudget
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APPROVED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023






                                                       CITY OF HURST
                 ENTERPRISE FUND                     GENERAL SERVICES                  0325 UTILITY BILLING

               MISSION STATEMENT

               We are committed to providing excellent customer service while balancing all aspects of the
               Hurst way.  We will strive to preserve trust and deliver quality services through maintaining
               our billing operations in an efficient, accurate, and customer-oriented manner.

               DIVISION DESCRIPTION
               The  Utility  Billing  Division  is  responsible  for  maintaining  the  City's  Billing  System  for  water,
               wastewater,  sanitation,  and  recycling  services.    Responsibilities  include  establishing  new
               accounts,  processing  bills  and  payments  from  customers,  providing  exceptional  customer
               assistance and information regarding utility accounts, and performing the meter reading and
               meter  services  functions.    In  addition  to  the  accounts  receivable  function  for  water  and
               wastewater  services,  the  division  is  also  responsible  for  receipting  and  depositing  monies
               collected by other departments on a daily basis.

               PRIOR YEAR RESULTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

                                                                rd
                   ✓  Outsourced the printing of utility bills to 3  party, reducing costs, recapturing staff time
                       and adding disaster recovery options to ensure operational continuity.
                   ✓  Implemented new IVR phone system with English and Spanish language options allowing
                       customers to pay their utility bill over the phone and maintaining PCI compliance.
                                      rd
                   ✓  Implemented 3  party lockbox that accepts and processes payment mailings freeing up
                       staff time to focus on customer service.
                   ✓  Introduced “Extension” functionality to staff.  Staff can now give customers an extension
                       on their bill due date when requested by customers.  The extension is done in the utility
                       billing  system  which  keeps  an  extended  customer  off  the  disconnect  list  and  from
                       receiving a penalty during the extension period.
                   ✓  Implemented new digital workorder program that submits workorders directly to field
                       technician tablets rather than requiring technicians to make a trip to the office to pick up
                       paper versions.  Techs can complete work orders in the field via their tablet and results

                       are available to office staff in real-time.
                   ✓  Redesigned the look of the utility bills making it easier to read and look more like a City
                       of Hurst product including new logo and color scheme.
                   ✓  Implemented outbound campaigns using the IVR system that allows the city to contact
                       customers via phone call, text and email for late notices and disconnect notices.  The calls,
                       texts and emails include options to pay at that moment, online or via phone.  This also






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