(A) Shutoff of water. A penalty charge of 5% shall be assessed against those charges representing the water used and service charge if the bill is not paid when due. A shutoff notice shall be provided at the delinquency threshold set forth by resolution when the city shall disconnect the premises from the water system if the bill is not paid. The city is authorized to make such disconnection, and the water shall remain shut off until payment of the amount is made, together with any service charges or late penalty charges as designated by resolution.
(B) Deposit may be required. The Finance Department may require a customer to post a deposit prior to the commencement of water service as specified in § 6-5.12. Such deposit shall be returned to the customer, or credited upon his account at closing, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, if the customer is not delinquent.
(C) Absorption of deposit. If a customer who has made a cash deposit fails to pay a bill for metered service, the Finance Department may apply the deposit insofar as necessary to liquidate the bill and may require that the deposit be restored to its original amount.
(D) Change of residence. When a consumer has moved from one premises to another without having paid an undisputed water bill after being asked to pay the same, the Finance Department may refuse to supply such consumer at his new premises until such undisputed bill has been paid.
(E) Disputes. A dispute regarding a bill shall not justify nonpayment, underpayment or delay in payment. Disputed bills shall be paid when due. Requests for investigation of a disputed bill shall be made in writing. If a dispute is resolved in favor of the consumer, a refund or credit shall be made.
(‘66 Code, § 6-5.04) (Ord. 76-A, passed 12-17-23; Am. Ord. 405-C-S, passed 7-12-79; Am. Ord. 516-C-S, passed 3-11-82; Am. Ord. 817-C-S, passed 7-11-91; Am. Ord. 919-C-S, passed 6-11-96; Am. Ord. 2013-C-S, passed 5-12-15)
Cross-reference:
Disconnection for late payment, see § 6-4.211