HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-19 Correspondence - Utility Service Partners to Andrus - National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program ProgramAdministered by
NLC Service Line
Warranty
Companya HomeServe
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June 17, 2019
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Cynthia Andrus
Mayor
City Of Bozeman
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
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Dear Cynthia,
Water and sewer infrastructure is failing all over the U.S. The City of Little Rock is no exception with consent
decrees and increased utility rates negatively impacting the city budget and our citizens' budgets.
As Mayor of the City, I was aware of numerous calls from homeowners with private-side water and sewer line
problems who were often not aware of their responsibility to fix these problems. So we sought out a solution
that would provide education and protection to our residents. In September 2018, the City made the decision to
join over 500 other municipalities in partnering with the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty
Program. We were comfortable with this partnership as the program carries the NLC endorsement and has a
great national reputation. The program, administered by Utility Service Partners, Inc., a HomeServe company, was
also well aligned with the City's values of providing outstanding customer service as well as giving back to their
partner communities.
Offered at no cost to cities, the program educates homeowners about their service line responsibilities and
offers affordable protection from unanticipated service line repair costs. The program has been well received by
our homeowners, with over 3,500 to date opting to purchase the repair service plan, which includes repair and
replacement coverage for both exterior and interior water lines.
In addition to helping protect homeowners against unforeseen and potentially costly repairs, the City receives
a monthly commission for each resident who signs up for the program, as well as annual payments totaling in
excess of$40,000 over three years. That money is administered through the City's Department of Housing and
Neighborhood Programs and is dedicated to helping repair the homes of disadvantaged residents who do not
qualify for federal aid but cannot afford to fix code violations.
Additionally, the HomeServe Cares Foundation is further evidence of the program's commitment to
community. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in communities across the U.S., this four-
pillar Corporate Social Responsibility program includes pro-bono repairs for disadvantaged homeowners,
grant funding for community-based projects, employment assistance for veterans transitioning from the
military into skilled trades, and employee charitable giving and volunteerism. For more information please visit
https://www.homeserveusa.com/sc/Corporate-social-responsibility.
This program is a great example of a small-scale public-private partnership that delivers significant benefits to
residents and the community at large. I am happy to recommend partnership to any municipality. Please give
me a call or email me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Stodola
Former Mayor, Little Rock
510-454-7070
mstodola@gmail.com
NLC Service Line Warranty Program
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City of Baltimore, Maryland
When Baltimore rolled out the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AM]) system
in 2013, crews had difficulty reconnecting service after installing new meters
because of deteriorating lines.
"When we installed the meters, it became apparent that dirt was the only
thing holding some residents' pipes together," said Shonte Eldridge, Baltimore
City's Deputy Chief of Operations. "We needed to find a solution, because
homeowners could be faced with unexpected, and high, repair bills."
The City selected the program in 2014 after a comprehensive RFP process.
Baltimore City officials direct program royalties to a fund for low-income
homeowners who have plumbing emergencies.
City of Newark, New Jersey
City of Newark city council members were being contacted often by residents
with water line issues and were growing increasingly concerned about citizens
who may experience financial hardships from repairs. The City adopted the
program in 2015 and, over the last four years, Newark homeowners have saved
over $800,000 in repairs.
"Newark homeowners have been enthusiastic about the program, and those
who have had claims have been extremely satisfied with the service they have
received," said Mildred Crump, former City Council President. "We have also
been given positive feedback from citizens who have not chosen to purchase
the warranty but still appreciate the City providing information."
For more information contact:
1-866-974-4801 or partnerships@utilitysp.net
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NLCOF CITIES Service
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CITIES STRONG TOGETHER
a HomeServe Company