(A) Customers who contest unusually high utilities bill may request a hearing within the allotted time frame (not exceeding 15 days from the date of the bill) before the Public Utilities Committee of Village Council who shall act as the final authority for any adjustments to water and sewer accounts not already authorized by the Village Administrator.
(B) If a customer contests a higher than normal bill, the first step is to request a meter test to be performed by the village with a witness to the test by the customer or his or her representative. If the meter tests with 2% accurate (AWWA Standard) the meter shall be presumed to be correct unless a later independent test secured by the customer and performed by a certified test facility proves otherwise. Such test will be at the customer's expense.
(C) The customer may also arrange for an inspection of the property in question by a certified plumber accompanied by a representative of the Bellville Water Department to try to determine probable causes for the higher than average usage and whether any wasted water went to the village's sanitary sewer system. The findings of the plumber shall be recorded in a sworn affidavit also signed by the village's representative.
(D) If wasted water was not discharged to the sewer system, sanitary sewer charges should then be waived. If no explanation can be found for the higher than normal usage, and it cannot be determined if the water was discharged to the sanitary sewer, the Public Utilities Committee has the authority to cap total water and sewer charges at a maximum of $500 and waive any late penalties. It may also authorize an extended payment plan for the customer to pay the amount established.
(Ord. 2010-84, passed 8-16-2010; Res. 4-2016, passed 2-2-2016)