If the City collects charges for the collection, removal and disposal of garbage and trash within the City, the following provisions apply.
(A) Generally. The monthly charge for the collection, removal and disposal of garbage and trash from residences and businesses within the corporate limits of the City shall be as established by resolution of the City Council, as adopted from time to time.
(B) Collection of charges. The charges fixed herein for the collection, removal and disposal of all garbage and trash shall be entered in their respective amounts on the utility bill. The City may discontinue all utility services, including water, sewer and garbage and trash services, for failing to pay any assessed charges and until the charges have been paid in full under conditions and procedures detailed in division (C) below.
(C) Disconnection for late payment.
(1) It is the policy of the City to discontinue utility service to customers 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 and all bills 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:
(a) All bills are due and payable on or before the date set forth on the bill;
(b) If any bill is not paid by or before that date, a second bill will be mailed containing a cutoff notice that if the bill is not paid within ten days of the mailing of the second bill, service will be discontinued for non-payment; and
(c) Any customer disputing the correctness of his or her bill shall have a right to a hearing at which time he or she may be represented in person and by counsel or any other person of his or her choosing and 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 customer’s service not be discontinued and shall have the authority to make a final determination of the customer’s complaint.
(2) Requests for delays or waiver of payment will not be entertained; 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 herein, service will be discontinued at the time specified, but in no event until the charges have been due and unpaid for at least 30 days.
(3) When it becomes necessary for the City to discontinue utility service to a customer for non-payment of bills, service will be reinstated only after all bills for service then due have been paid, along with a turn-on charge as established by § 34.01 of this code of ordinances.
(Prior Code, § 500.08) (Ord. 2003-02, passed - -)