On a second try, Mefleh succeeds

City Councilman Yousef Mefleh believes Westminster can be a friendlier city by cutting a break to those people who are late paying their utility bills and those who are considered risks to pay late.  Mefleh had the votes on his side last night as the city council lowered the maximum fee for utility deposits from $450 dollars to $250 dollars.  It also lowered the late fee for paying a bill.  New Mayor Brian Ramey agreed with Mefleh that a $450 dollar deposit charge has had the effect of driving people from Westminster to live elsewhere, and he gave the example of one person, going through a divorce, who did not have enough money left to cover the fees associated with someone starting city services as a new resident.