The City of Redmond is reviewing its policy of requiring a $300 deposit for new water service.

Mayor George Endicott says the thinking behind the requirement is that they want to give residents three months to pay off their water bill when economic times get tough. "Other cities cut it off a lot quicker, so the deposit isn't as big; so what's the trade off? We try to give people more latitude. The other thing is that is actually an option for landlords on rent property. A landlord can sign a waiver, and the renter doesn't have to pay that deposit."

Endicott says as hard as it is to enforce, because it will put some residents in hardship, the water is an expense for the city and recent unpaid balances have totaled over $400,000.

He says city staff is looking at ways to amend the present $300 requirement, so that it's fair for the residents and the city.