ANDERSON, Ind. —
The city on Tuesday wrote off $668,160 in overdue utility bills in an annual rite to erase bad debt that has remained on the books for more than three years.
The Anderson Board of Public Works approved the write-off of bills that chairman Greg Graham said had gone through the collection process without payment. Graham said the bills are still collectable and some will be paid, but the write-off allows the city utilities to conform to generally accepted accounting practices.
The amount written off includes bills that have been on the books since Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007, Graham said. The amount is similar to the amount written off in 2008 — $634,000.
Also Tuesday, the board announced that board secretary Hazel Edwards will retire at the end of the year.
A familiar face on the fifth floor of the Anderson City Building, Edwards is retiring after 32 years of service that included a long tenure with the Anderson Housing Authority before her present position as administrative manager for the Board of Works.
“You certainly have been my right hand and left hand so many times,” Board of Works member Shirley Weatherly said. Edwards had been an executive secretary at the Anderson Housing Authority under Weatherly’s leadership.
“You will be missed,” Graham told Edwards.
Tuesday’s meeting was Edwards’ last as board secretary. There will be no weekly Tuesday meeting on Dec. 28.
Other business
The Anderson Board of Public Works on Tuesday also:
- Renewed the contract for city janitorial supplies with Wayne Products. Cathy Wiggins of the Anderson City Controller’s office said the contract would be renewed with prices at the same level as when Wayne was awarded the contract in 2008. Board of Works member Mark Lamey said Wayne had provided good products, service and price and allowed the city to support a locally-based business.
- Approved an amendment to the city’s salary ordinance to reduce the pay scale for personnel in the Anderson City Clerk’s office. Clerk Sheila Ashley said that as a result of the pending retirement of longtime deputy clerk Sherry Moore, the pay range would be reduced for her position, and for that of secretary. The current secretary, Lisa Jones, will take Moore’s place, Ashley said. The reductions in pay scales will save the city more than $6,800 annually, Ashley said.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
