(a) Charges a Lien Against Property.
(1) All charges for water are assessed against the property to which the service is rendered and are an encumbrance upon such property per Ohio R.C. 743.02, 743.03, 743.04, collectible in the same manner as other taxes and assessment. It shall be the responsibility of persons purchasing property to ascertain if there are any unpaid water bills.
(2) When there is an outstanding water-sewer bill and the tenant cannot be located for payment, the water service to that address will be discontinued, and the bill will then be presented to the owner of the property and water service will not be reconnected until payment is made in full.
(b) Owner May Have Tenant Pay Water Bill. If the owner of any premises elects to have his tenant or lessee pay the water bill, such tenant or lessee does so as the agent of the owner. Such owner shall not be relieved from the payment of any bill, penalties or other charges that might occur.
(c) Bills to be Delivered to Consumer. The Water Department will undertake to deliver bills for water by depositing same in the Post Office only as a matter of convenience to the owner or consumer. Failure to receive a bill shall not relieve any person from his obligation to pay the bill.
(d) Unrepaired Leaks and Billing for Leaks. When a consumer has been notified of a leak and repair is not made within ten days, the service may be shut off without further notice. If the leak continues and the customer cannot locate it and does not wish service terminated, then the customer will owe the complete bill and it will not be adjusted.
(1) An underground leak, which is a leak from the outside of the foundation wall to the property line will be adjusted as follows: If proof of the leak can be shown, all of the sewer charge over the average usage will be dropped and one half of the water charge over the average usage will be dropped.
(2) Unaccounted for high bills: If a high bill occurs of 1,000 cubic feet or one hundred percent ( 100%) over average, whichever is greater, a meter test will be given at no charge. If the meter tests are found to be accurate and there is no reasonable explanation for the high reading the Village will take the following stand: The meter was not at fault, the water sent through the meter so the bill is owed, but for public relations only, the Village will adjust the bill by fifty percent (50%) if the customer and property owner or agent will sign an affidavit stating that the Village was not at fault. Under these circumstances the Village will adjust these bills for the current owner one time every three years.
(3) Any water line break inside the foundation line of a structure will be adjusted as follows: All of the sewer charge over the average usage will be dropped.
(Ord. 90-03. Passed 2-20-90.)
(e) Water and Sewer Bill Disputes. When a customer disputes a bill for reasons not covered in subsection (d) hereof by filing an affidavit stating the reasons why the bill is being disputed, the Village Administrator may propose an adjustment with documentation to the Utility Committee. Any adjustment must be approved by the Village Utility Committee.
(Ord. 96-8. Passed 5-21-96.)