Monthly Water Billing to be Phased In

Shift to Automated Meter Reading allows for monthly water and sewer billing.

For many years, City water and sewer customers have received four utility bills a year -- one each quarter. Although quarterly billing was initially seen as a lower-cost alternative to monthly billing, the cost savings to the City was overshadowed by other issues faced by our customers. Now, with the City's recent shift to Automated Meter Reading, the City has begun sending monthly bills.

Monthly water and sewer bills can provide frequent, timely feedback for customers about their water consumption -- information that is vital during times of drought. In the past, a leak may not have been detected during a customer's three-month billing cycle and, as a result, the customer would end up paying for a leak for three months rather than only one month. In addition, monthly billing makes it easier for customers to budget for water and sewer costs.

To find out when your billing cycle will change, visit call 373-CITY (2489) to speak with a City Services Representative who can answer your questions.

> More: Read more about monthly mailings.

Annexation Questions Answered

Public annexation meetings will answer questions from affected residents. 

Two public meetings are planned in March to answer questions from residents who live in either City-initiated or petition annexation areas.

• Tuesday, March 11, 6-7:30 pm, McLeansville Elementary School Gymnasium, 5315 Friedan’s Church Road, McLeansville. Get directions.
• Thursday, March 13, 6-7:30 pm, Leonard Recreation Center, Room 4, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro. Get directions.

The public hearing before City Council on petitioned areas is scheduled for April 1. City zoning districts will be assigned for all annexation areas during a public hearing on June 3. City Council meets in the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington Street, beginning at 5:30 pm.

For more information on annexation, call 373-CITY (2489) to speak with a City Services Representative who can answer your questions.

Channel 13 Program Addresses Community Questions

What happens behind the scenes when you dial 9-1-1?

Channel 13 has begun airing a new program that focuses on Greensboro’s law enforcement efforts and programs. The program, titled “Greensboro Police Department: In Service,” will feature hosted interviews on topics and questions of interest to the public in the area of local law enforcement.

The first program, airing this month, focuses on response times and 911 calls and features Police Chief Tim Bellamy and Guilford Metro 911 Director Wesley Reid. Next month's program will focus on gangs and efforts to prevent gang violence.

At the end of each month’s program, you'll learn the topic for the next month’s show. Then, you can submit your questions on that topic to the City's Contact Center by phone (373-2489) or email.

> More: Review the Channel 13 program schedule.

O'Reilly Automotive has selected the McConnell Center on McConnell Road in east Greensboro as the home of its new distribution center. The company plans to hire 360 employees by 2011 and to invest $41 million in land, building, equipment and inventory.

John Shoffner, Greensboro's Economic Development Director, said the company decision "represents a great win for the community," with a projected $62.8 to $82.3 million impact on the economy over the next three years.

The City and County worked together to create a pro-business environment and a compelling case to encourage the company to choose the Greensboro site. As part of that effort, the City authorized an incentive grant of $187,696 and the County approved a grant of $204,367. 

Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Elaine Tricoli, Interim Communications Manager, 373-2421 or email.