For all classes of utility service the utility bill is due and payable on or before the date set forth in the bill. If the utility bill is not paid on or before the due date, then the city shall mail a cut-off notice to the consumer notifying the consumer that the bill is delinquent and that the consumer’s service will be discontinued for nonpayment if the bill is not paid on or before the date set forth on the cut-off notice.
(A) It is the policy of the city to discontinue utility service to consumers by reason of non- payment of bills only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on disputed bills. The city’s form for application for utility service shall contain, in addition to the title, address, room number, and telephone number of the official in charge of billing, clearly visible and easily readable provisions to the effect:
(1) All bills are due and payable on or before the date set forth on the bill;
(2) If any bill is not paid on or before the date set forth on the bill, a cut-off notice will be mailed to the consumer not less than five days after the due date set forth in the bill notifying the consumer that if the bill is not paid within ten days of the due date of the bill, service will be disconnected for nonpayment. The utility account will at this time be subject to a reinstatement fee whether utility service is actually disconnected or not;
(3) Utility account late fee. A late fee of 5% on all utility account past dues balances outstanding at the time that each month bill is determined to be past due; in writing his or her complaint and contentions to the city official in charge of utility billing. This official shall be authorized to order that the consumer’s service not be discontinued and shall have the authority to make a final determination of the consumer’s complaint. The provisions of this subdivision shall also be included in all delinquency notices; and
(4) Any consumer disputing the correctness of his or her bill shall have a right to a hearing at which time he or she may present orally or in writing his or her complaint and contentions to the city official in charge of utility billing. This official shall be authorized to order that the consumer’s service not be discontinued and shall have the authority to make a final determination of the consumer’s complaint. The provisions of this division shall also be included in all delinquency notices; and
(5) Requests for delays of payment will not be entertained except as provided for in this section; only questions of proper and correct billing will be considered. In the absence of payment of the bill rendered or resort to the hearing procedure provided in this section, service will be discontinued at the time specified, but in no event until the charges have been due and unpaid for at least ten days.
(B) If payment is not received by the city by the end of the official business day (5:00 p.m.) on the date set forth on the cut-off notice, the delinquent utility account and/or service will be reinstated only after all bills for service then due have been paid, along with a reinstatement charge in the sum of $30 for residential consumers and $60 for commercial consumers. Reinstatement and/or reconnection of service after 4:00 p.m. or on a legal holiday or weekend shall require an additional fee of $30.
(`83 Code, § 17-211) (Ord. 757, passed 6-18-79; Am. Ord. 98-48, passed 12-21-98; Am. Ord. 2002-29, passed 10-21-02; Am. Ord. 2004-10, passed 3-1-04; Am. Ord. 2004-12, passed 3-15-04; Am. Ord. 2019-20, passed 12-23-19)