(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure utility charges are adequately paid and provide the city with a remedy for delinquent citizens.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACTIONS BY THE MUNICIPALITY. Actions which may be undertaken pursuant to the authority of either the Mayor or the City Council.
DELINQUENT. An overdue payment that is in violation of this article.
LANDLORD. The owner of a property whose primary purpose is to be rented out to other persons.
UTILITY or UTILITIES. Water, sewer, electric and trash services.
(C) Meter deposits. Every person or persons desiring utility services must make an application therefor to the City Clerk, who shall require the applicant to make a service deposit and tap fee for water, trash, electrical and sewer services in such amounts as set by resolution of the City Council and placed on file at the office of the City Clerk. No new application for utility services will be accepted for any applicant who, at the time of making the application, has unpaid utility charges due and owing to the city. No additional deposit will be required for a consumer who is relocating and has maintained a utility account with the city which has not been delinquent during the 12 months preceding the application. If the property is used as a rental, the landlord shall be responsible for meter deposit after a tenant’s deposit has been returned after they have vacated the property.
(D) Application by tenant. Before a tenant’s utility application will be accepted, the landlord shall be required to sign an owner’s consent form and agree to pay unpaid utility charges for their property, not to exceed $100 per any individual unit. Any landlord signing the required consent form shall be notified of any delinquent notices in the same manner as the customer.
(E) Refund of deposits. The meter deposits referred to above shall be returned to the tenant depositing the same after the passage of 24 months without any late payment on the account. The occurrence of one late payment will cause the 24-month period to start completely over. If a tenant moves to another residence prior to being refunded their deposit, the meter deposit will be applied to their final bill. If there is any credit balance remaining, a check shall be issued to the account payor.
(F) Termination of service by consumer. A customer relocating and desiring to have a final reading of their meter shall make the request for such final reading at least three business days in advance thereof or be subject to a service charge of $50 for such service.
(G) Applications, permits and other forms. The City Clerk is authorized to create and promulgate application, permit and other forms in furtherance of this section without further approval by the City Council.
(Ord. 971, passed 2-7-2023)