City Council discussed possible changes to the water billing system at a meeting Monday.

The proposed reforms will change notices to allow only 10 days after a letter is sent before shutoff, said Bryan Faivre, head of water resources for DeKalb.

If the changes passes, residents will be given time to adjust.

“We’ll be lenient at first,” Faivre said. “We’ll send out extra notices for a year or so until people get used to it.”

The potential changes in noticing are the first step in a change to a new billing system.

“This is the beginning of a change to a new bimonthly software,” Faivre said. “It won’t happen overnight, but we’re trying to eliminate the pink notices.”

Some members of the council said they did not agree with the proposed changes.

“Sometimes, working people are waiting for their next paycheck to pay their bill,” said Third Ward Alderman Kristen Lash. “They want to pay their bills, but they need to wait for that check.”

Other council members believe residents already have enough time to gather the money to pay their bills.

“We send bills every three months,” said First Ward Alderman David Jacobson. “We give people 100 days. That’s enough time. People need to budget their money to be able to pay the bill.”

The council could not reach an agreement and will discuss the issue further at a future date.

Four residents, Andrew and Gail Krmenec, Tom and Karen Matya, Gary and Dee Coover and Bill and Marilyn Saunders, were also recognized at the meeting for the landscaping in their yards.

The city recognizes people who beautify their homes and communities, said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen.

The DeKalb City Council meets again at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.