South Pasadena City Hall (Photo – Zscout370).
South Pasadena water customers will be served by a new billing company, Munibilling, after the sudden closure of Fathom (formerly Global Water,) under a new contract approved by the City Council Wednesday.
South Pasadena officials were notified last week that Fathom was ceasing its business operations at the end of November. South Pasadena operates its own water utility staffed by City employees, but contracts for billing services.
South Pasadena City Manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, said:
It was unfortunate that Fathom chose to wait until the 11th hour to inform us they were closing. However, we were able to quickly find a qualified new vendor. We anticipate a smooth transition as Munibilling steps in.
Munibilling is based in North Carolina and serves municipal utilities throughout the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom. There will be no change in the rates charged to customers and no interruption in water service.
Transition period
During the transition, the City of South Pasadena is asking water customers to take the following actions:
- Do not pay Fathom for any due or overdue bills. Instead pay the City directly, either by check or credit card.
- Cancel all automated payments to Fathom immediately.
Payments
- Payments can be made by mailing a check to:
South Pasadena City Hall
Attn: Finance Department
1414 Mission St. South Pasadena 91030 - Or you can pay in person at City Hall (checks and credit cards accepted).
The City is asking residents to be patient as there may be delays in receiving their bills, and it will work with customers on payment deadlines if there are delays during the transition.
Residents will be updated by mail and other outreach methods with information on making future payments through Munibilling.
Source: City of South Pasadena
Residents who pay online should note that when you try to pull up the Fathom site, a message appears saying that the website may be attempting to take your personal information and so not to use it. This is the only indication I got that something was amiss. I had to Google “Fathom South Pasadena” to see the links to notices by the City about the change in billing vendor. I realize that the City advises that Fathom notified it abruptly about ceasing operations but it seems likely many residents won’t see the City’s online notice.
I have autopay for ‘the bill’, which I think includes trash pickup. Do we now pay them separately?
They separated the trash billing from the water. Your best bet is to call City Hall and inquire.