(A) Whenever water service by the municipal water utility is first initiated to any premises, or whenever liability for payment for water service then rendered to any existing premises is transferred to and assumed by a different person, the new customer shall be required to post a deposit with the water utility as a guarantee against future payment to the town of water service bills and charges. The amount of the deposit is set and affirmed as follows.
Service Class | Custom Status | Deposit |
All | Property Owner | $100 |
All | Renter | $100 |
(B) Any amendments to the above schedule shall hereafter require the approval of the Town Council before taking effect. In the case of new service, the deposit must be paid before the meter is set or water turned on; in the case of continuing service where billing liability is assumed by a different customer, payment must be made prior to the date of the first water bill for which such new person is liable. Deposits shall be credited to the Water Deposit Fund and administered accordingly. Failure to make the deposit by the time stipulated will be grounds for denial or discontinuance of water service. For purposes of this section, "customer" refers to the person who is responsible for payment of water bills, as shown on the records of the utility, and not necessarily to the person actually receiving or benefitting from the water service. "Renter" means any customer who has rights of occupancy or similar proprietary powers over the use and disposition of the premises served, either transferable or nontransferable, but who is not an owner of the property or a direct agent of an owner.
(`86 Code, § 2-5-2) (Ord. 86-C1, passed 7-15-86; Am. Ord. 9-15-09, passed 9-15-09)