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Virginia Beach prepares to switch to monthly billing for city services

Posted at 9:44 AM, May 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-30 16:53:13-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Virginia Beach is preparing to switch to monthly billing for residents who receive city services from the Public Utilities and Public Works departments.

Currently, the Public Utilities and Public Works City Services Bill is sent to residents bi-monthly.

Starting July 1st, the bill will be sent monthly. The switched was recommended by an appointed committee that was tasked with addressing affordability concerns with the City Services Bill.

The idea behind the switch is that it will help customers better plan and budget for the expense of the bill.

"Moving to a monthly schedule will put us on the same schedule as the rest of the billing world, so customers will now receive that bill monthly, it will align with their other utility services and monthly expenses," Public Utilities Director Bob Montague told News 3 anchor Todd Corillo.

Another benefit will be more timely information about water usage, which would allow for earlier detection and repair of plumbing leaks.

"When you get the bill monthly instead of bi-monthly, you get more timely information about your usage. If you do have a leak, you’ll know about it sooner, it will help you to make a more prompt repair," Montague commented.

In preparation for the transition, Virginia Beach Public Utilities has contracted out a portion of their water meter reading services to Alexander's Contract Services.

The city says the contracted meter readers have already started their duties and are easily identifiable by uniforms, reflective vests, and identification badges.

You can read more about the switch to monthly billing here.