HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4958-06-2018 A Resolution
NO. 4958-06-2018
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PRIVACY POLICY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
ACQUIRED BY THE WATER DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Section 501.052 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code provides that
municipally owned utilities may not require an individual to disclose the individual's social security
number to obtain goods or services unless the utility: (1)adopts a privacy policy; (2)makes the privacy
policy available to the individual, and(3)pursuant to the private policy, maintains the confidentiality and
security of social security numbers disclosed to the utility; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth Water Department requests that a person opening a water
service account provide a social security number to the Water Department but does not require the social
security number as a condition of obtaining water service; and
WHEREAS, the City may redact the social security number of a customer from a request for
public information without the necessity of requesting a decision from the attorney general and is exempt
from Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code; and
WHEREAS, Section 182.052 of the Texas Utilities Code further requires the Water Department
to protect a customer's personal information including water usage from disclosure upon written request;
and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to protect the confidential nature of social security numbers
disclosed to the City in connection with the provision of city services; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with state law, the City Council must adopt a privacy policy relating
to the collection, use,protection, access to and disposal of social security numbers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
The City Council hereby adopts the privacy policy regarding the protection of Social
Security Numbers by the Water Department in compliance with state law, attached hereto
as Exhibit "A".
Adopted this 26th day of June, 2018. SOF FO/QT�
ATTEST:
1 By. a1° 4
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Ronald P. Gonzales, Assistant City Secretary
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PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE FORT WORTH WATER DEPARTMENT
RELATING TO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
When a person opens a water utility service account, the City of Fort Worth Water
Department requests that person provide his or her social security number for the reasons
stated below. However, the Water Department does not require a social security number
as a condition of obtaining water service. The purpose of this policy is to address the
collection, use, protection, access to and disposal of social security numbers in
compliance with Section 501.052 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code.
Collection of personal information: The Water Department requests the name, address,
telephone number, driver license or ID number and social security or Tax ID number
from each person who opens a water utility service account (which serves to collect
amounts due for water, wastewater, solid waste, storm water and environmental
protection fee). Such information can be obtained from the customer in person or by
phone, mail, email, facsimile or online via the internet.
How and when personal information is used: A social security number is requested
from the applicant when seeking to obtain a water utility service account or at times when
the Water Department is securing payment for such services. The request for the social
security number is: (1) a means of identifying an individual; (2) for internal verification
or administrative purposes; (3) to research credit worthiness; and/or (4) for debt
collection.
How personal information is protected: The Water Department maintains all personal
information electronically and by paper file. In compliance with Section 552.147 of the
Texas Government Code, once a social security number is obtained it is entered into the
Water Department's electronic database and all but the last 4 numbers are redacted for
display and presentment.
Other personal information of a water utility customer such as an individual's address,
telephone number and information relating to volume of usage and amounts billed is
protected from disclosure upon request and submission of a confidentiality form. The
form can be obtained from the Customer Service Division of the Water Department, 908
Monroe St, Ft Worth, TX 76102 or via the website all http://fortworthtexas.gov/utilities.
Who has access to personal information: Employees of the Water Department's
Customer Relations Division have access to customers' personal information, including
social security numbers. In addition, personal information may be shared or confirmed
with Police Department and Code Compliance as allowed by state law or as otherwise
excepted from protection by Section 182.054 of the Texas Utilities Code.
How personal information is disposed of: Any retained paper document containing a
social security number are disposed of through off-site shredding per the City's record
retention schedule. Electronic files of closed accounts are deleted in accordance with the
City's electronic file retention policy.
Compliance with State Law: Any provision of this privacy policy in conflict with state
law as it is now or as it may be amended shall be deemed null and void. All other
provisions shall remain effective.
Water Department Privacy Policy for SSN 2018