921.02 TERMINATING UTILITY SERVICE.

   (a)   A penalty of five percent (5%) will be applied to all unpaid water, sewer, electric, and refuse accounts fifteen days after the billing date. Net due amount shown on the bill will be accepted for one full day following the net due date at the City Utilities Office, Third Street, Dover, for payments that are mailed by the net due date, payments made at local banks which are stamped “PAID” by the due date, and in person at the counter.

   (b)   At the same time that penalties are applied, overdue notices are sent allowing seven business days for payment of the current due amount plus penalties. This notice includes, but is not limited to, a date after which service may be terminated if payment is not made, the customer’s name, account number and the amount that must be paid to avert termination of service (no less than the current amount plus penalties).

   (c)   Terminations of service for nonpayment of utility bills shall be carried out on the Monday or Tuesday morning following elapse of the time allowed to pay at least the current amount plus penalties.

   (d)    On the day that water or electric service is to be discontinued for nonpayment, water division and/or electric field division personnel will terminate utility service to the residence/account and leave written notice in the form of a brightly-colored card or door hanger that water or electric service has been discontinued for nonpayment. This card/door hanger shall include the telephone number of the City Utility Billing Office, and the hours during which the Utility Billing Office is open for business. The card/door hanger shall be left in a conspicuous location.

   (e)    Once utility service has been terminated for nonpayment, service will not be restored until payment of the entire account balance has been made in full. The account holder must also pay any re-connection fees.

   (f)    Arrangements to pay made by recognized social agencies, religious organizations or firms retained to manage a customer's affairs will avert immediate disconnection.

   (g)    Customers of the City Utility Office who feel that their utility service is designated for termination of service for nonpayment in error, or customers who wish to protest the decision by the Utility Billing Office manager to terminate utility service for nonpayment, may request a hearing by calling the Utility Billing Office prior to the service termination.
(Ord. 59-92. Passed 9-21-92.)