Label
DPW0623226PROMISEPAY
Utilities Administration
C. Geronimo (x2363)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a one-year agreement with Promise Network Inc. for Department of Public Utilities accounts receivable collection services and customer affordability program management services; authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500,000 from the Utilities Administrative Services Fund; waiving the competitive bidding requirements of T.M.C. 187; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Beginning in 2021, the City entered into an initial one-year agreement with Promise Network Inc. (“Promise”) for utility accounts receivable collection services and customer affordability program management services to include a debt relief program. This ordinance will continue a partnership that is vital to helping both customers and the Division of Utilities Administration.
Promise is a financial technology company that works to implement cutting-edge technology to enhance agency efficiency and improve customer experience while enhancing the revenue of the public agency. Promise developed Promise Pay as the modern payment platform for public services. They work with utilities and other government agencies across the country.
Promise facilitates payments and grant disbursements on behalf of utilities and government agencies. Promise Pay payment plans provide customers an automated solution for adding flexibility and convenience to past due balances. Their portal allows rapid distribution of financial assistance grants from local, state and Federal sources, such as Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIWAP). Their third-party Pledge Portal gives Community Action Organizations and other partners access to relevant account information necessary to provide relief funds.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a one-year agreement with Promise Network Inc. for utility accounts receivable collection services and customer affordability program management services upon such terms and conditions as approved by the Director of Public Utilities and the Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $500,000 is authorized from the Utilities Administrative Services Fund, Account Code 6078-31000-4000524STDSTD for the program and services identified in Section 1.
SECTION 3. That the Finance Director is authorized to draw their warrant or warrants against the Account Code in Section 2 in an amount not to exceed $500,000 in payment of the above-authorized obligations upon presentation of the proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That this City Council finds and determines it in the best interest of the city to waive the competitive procurement requirements of Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 187 for the reason that Promise Network Inc. is the uniquely qualified vendor able to provide the City with a utility accounts payment platform integrated with customer affordability program management services.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that this ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for the further reason that this Ordinance must be immediately effective in order to continue the payment platform and affordability management services without interruption to meet the immediate needs of residents.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 12 nays 0.
Passed: June 23, 2026, as an emergency measure: yeas 12, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Vanice S. Williams
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: June 24, 2026
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor