The city of Fairburn had to

dig into its reserve funds this week to cover the increased cost of their

insurance policy. Without any prior notice, the policy's premium for liability

jumped from $97,000 to $161,000 for the new fiscal year. Retirement insurance

climbed from $34,000 to $139,000, more than four times the original amount.

"They're treating us like

second class citizens," City Administrator Jim Williams said. Poor

stock market performance and rising insurance costs since the 9/11 disaster

are partly to blame, Williams added.

Funds were reallocated within

the current budget to meet most of the financial increase, but an extra

$53,000 was needed to cover the difference.

The City Council also discussed

discrepancies in the utility billing procedures. Some larger companies

have run up $15,000 in charges before they were collected. Doug Crawford,

council member, said they are being "grossly taken advantage of."

It was decided that a more

timely method was needed to stay abreast of delinquent accounts. A 5 p.m.

deadline on the 16th of each month was set with a 10 percent late fee

to be added to past due accounts. Standard disconnect notices will be

sent out within 24 hours of the due date. If bills are still unpaid by

the 23rd of the month, then a work order for disconnection will be issued.

A reconnection fee of $25 will also be applied.

Past due accounts will be discussed

the Director of Utilities and the Finance Manager. This will take place

after the 5 p.m. deadline on the 16th and before the 2 p.m. deadline on

the 23rd of each month.

Special exceptions will be

considered, but only the Mayor and/or the City Administrator will have

the authority to schedule partial payments or waive fees.