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County Administrator's Report 12. 4.

BCC Regular Meeting

Discussion

Meeting Date:	06/06/2019
Issue: Bill Dispute with Frontier Communications
From:	JOHN DOSH
Department:	Public Safety
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the Bill Dispute with Frontier Communications - John Dosh, Interim Public Safety Director

That the Board choose one of the following options concerning a bill dispute with Frontier Communications relating to charges associated with the Walnut Hill Fire Department, accruing from 3/20/15 to the present, in the total amount of $14,583.45, as of the 3/20/19 Statement:

A. Accept the offer of a 90-day credit at the current monthly invoice amount (approximately $645) and authorize payment of the remaining account balance; or

B. Authorize the County Attorney's Office to engage in settlement negotiations to resolve the dispute and, if necessary, pursue all available legal remedies.

[Funding: Fund 143, Fire Services, Cost Center 330302, Fire Department Paid, Object Code 54101, Communications]

BACKGROUND:

Fire Services was contacted in November 2018 for outstanding changes for Walnut Hill Fire Station for phone services that had not been paid in three years. Previously all statements were being mailed to the correct address prior to March 2015 when both the Bratt and Walnut Hill Fire Department statements were combined. However the Bratt Fire Department telephone lines were removed from the account by the District Chief and the address was then updated to the wrong address (Employee Clinic Address). Due to Escambia County being a governmental entity, Frontier Communications allowed the service to continue without payment from March 2015 to current.

Frontier Communications claims, on February 21, 2015, the Volunteer District Chief verbally instructed Frontier Communications to split the accounts and remit the bills for the Walnut Hill Fire Department to 2257 Baylen Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. Frontier Communications has nothing in writing or otherwise to verify the request. In October of 2016, Frontier Communications claims they made contact with Volunteer District Chief and advised the account was overdue, but the Volunteer District Chief was unable to secure the account (i.e. he could not verify the correct PIN#). We are not aware of any other attempts by Frontier Communications to contact the County about a past due account.

In an effort to help resolve the outstanding balance Frontier Communications has offered a 90-day credit.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

Funding is available in Fund 143, Fire Services, Cost Center 330302, Fire Department Paid, Object Code 54101, Communications.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

N/A

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

N/A

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

N/A

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