![A change on Utility Drive. (© FlaglerLive)](https://i0.wp.com/flaglerlive.com/wp-content/uploads/utilities-plant.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1)
Palm Coast government’s Customer Service Utility lobby at 2 Utility Drive will be permanently closing on October 18. The move will help the city free up customer service representatives to serve people on the phones to cut down on hold times, which has significantly increased in recent years, a city spokesperson said.
“This decision exemplifies our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency,” Interim City Manager Lauren Johnston told the City Council. “Instead of adding more staff to the budget, we conducted a thorough efficiency analysis, considering factors such as foot traffic at both payment locations, call volume, and wait times. With the growing trend toward online billing, it became clear that we could improve service by reallocating resources and leveraging technology. This data-driven approach will help reduce call wait times and streamline our operations.”
While the lobby will be closing, there are still multiple convenient ways to manage your utility services:
- Online Services: Residents can easily pay their bills and manage their accounts online via Palm Coast Connect, our citizen centric customer service portal.
- Phone Support: For those who prefer to speak with a representative, customer service assistance is available by calling 386-986-2360.
- In-Person Services: Residents can visit City Hall, located at 160 Lake Avenue, where our staff will be happy to assist with any service needs.
These options reflect the preferences of the majority of residents, who already choose to pay their bills online–helping to cut down on paper use–making this transition as smooth as possible.
To provide ample notice, the office at 2 Utility Drive will not close until October 18. Please note that the drop box at this location will be removed on September 15. After this date, no payments should be left at 2 Utility Drive after hours. For your convenience, a drop box is available at City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast’s Town Center.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make these improvements to better serve you,” the city said in a release. “ur goal is to ensure that all residents have access to the services they need in the most convenient and efficient manner possible.”
For more information, please visit palmcoast.gov/connect or contact Palm Coast Customer Service at (386) 986-2360.
Billy B says
The way this own operates I would never have auto pay, My information was compromised once and that was enough!!!
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
“These options reflect the preferences of the majority of residents,…” Really? I’d like a number on how many were surveyed. Nothing like driving miles out of the way to drop it in the box now. I like to mange my accounts with a check, the problem with mailing it to them is it takes a week before they ever receive the payment.
Shelley Caryl says
How can the city close the one and only “convenient” way to pay a bill. (Online may be good for some, but I’ve had “inconvenient” consequences to that method), so now I must either drive for 30 minutes or more (remember increased from “growth” traffic) from my home to the town center (so convenient?) or to the post office with a first-class stamp! Lordy mercy, does no one have an common sense anymore. Why remove the drop box? I truly don’t believe they have any idea who they really work for…
R.S. says
What irony: saving labor cost by technological procedures. Another way of trickle-up economics, enriching the upper classes.