(A) For non-payment it is the policy of the town to discontinue service to consumers only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on a disputed bill. The town application form for water service, a copy of which shall be provided to each customer who applies, shall contain information regarding the method by which billing is questioned. The application form and the bill, furnished to the consumer at the address provided, shall contain the Town Hall mailing address, physical address and telephone number for billing questions, all in clearly visible and easily readable provisions to that effect:
(1) That all bills are due and payable on or before the date set forth on the bill;
(2) A penalty is added for late payment in accordance with the town fee schedule;
(3) That if the bill is not paid within 30 days of the mailing of the bill, service discontinuation action may be taken; and
(4) The cost of reconnection of service after disconnection is a fee established on the fee schedule kept on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
(B) Any consumers disputing the correctness of their bill shall have a right to a hearing at which time the consumer may be represented in person or by counsel or any other person of their choosing, and may present orally or in writing, the complaint and contentions to the commissioner in charge of billing. Requests for delays or waiver of payment will not be entertained; only questions of proper and correct billing will be considered. That the Town Manager shall be authorized to rescind a disconnect order and make final determination as to consumer’s complaint. A claim shall be presented before the bill has become delinquent.
(C) For tampering with a meter, along with prosecution in accordance with § 50.99 of this chapter, the affected consumer shall pay an amount equal to the cost of repair, replacement and/or recalibration of the meter and may be refused further service.
(D) For any of the following reasons, the town may discontinue service:
(1) Strike, riot, fire, flood, accident, or other unavoidable cause.
(2) To prevent fraud or abuse.
(3) Consumer’s willful disregard of town’s water ordinance.
(4) Emergency repairs.
(5) Insufficiency of supplies beyond the town’s control.
(6) Legal processes.
(7) By direction of public authorities.
(Ord. passed 4-9-98; Am. Ord. passed 9-6-01; Am. Res. passed 4-14-11)