(A) Form and execution of service agreements. Each application for general service will be made on the city's standard form, which, when properly executed by customer, becomes binding and along with the applicable rate schedules, rules and regulation, is termed a service agreement. If for any reason an application is not signed by the customer, the providing of service by the city and the accepting of such service by the city shall impose the same obligation on each as if a service agreement had been executed.
(B) Deposit requirements. Along with an application for general service, all new customers are required to provide credit references and credit information on the city's standard form. At the time of connection, customer will provide a $200 deposit, which will be returned to customer upon receipt of approved credit and review of the application. If approved credit is not received, the deposit will be held earning the interest rate allowed by state law and will be returned to customer by mailed check after 12 consecutive months of timely payments. If an account is closed, the deposit will be used to retire any outstanding amounts from the final bill and, if funds still remain, they will be refunded to customer. Present or previous customers in good standing with the city are exempt from the deposit requirements.
(C) Contract period for service agreements. The term of the service agreement shall be continuous until appropriately terminated under this chapter.
(D) Termination of service agreement by customer. Unless otherwise provided in the service agreement or rate schedule, customer may terminate service at any time by notifying the city not less than three days prior to the date termination is desired. Customer will be held responsible for all service supplied to vacated premises until such notice has been received by the city. Notification may be made by writing, by telephone, or by visiting the office of the City Clerk-Administrator-Treasurer during regular business hours. Upon any such termination, the electric meter will be removed. Electric service may be temporarily terminated and billing suspended, upon the request from the customer, for a period of time due to illness, vacation, or seasonal use. Likewise, water service will be terminated. Reconnection fees as provided in the rate schedule apply to reconnects.
(E) Property not occupied by owner. Utilities provided to rental or other non-owner occupied premises, including single family homes and duplexes, but excluding other multiple-occupant premises, shall be the responsibility of the property owner, and the owner shall be considered the customer. The city shall not be responsible for enforcing agreements between owners and occupants regarding responsibility for payment of utility charges. All existing accounts in the name of a non-owner occupant shall be transferred to the name of the property owner within one year of the date of these regulations. As this chapter contemplates the landlord/lessor as the customer for these premises, renter shall not have the right to terminate services. The owner's request for voluntary shut-off must contain a statement that the premises will not be occupied at the date of the requested shut-off.
(F) Multiple-occupant premises. If multiple units (more than two) within a premises are served by a utility or utilities, the charges related to those utilities shall be billed to the tenant or lessee. If the premises includes any residential property, the customer billed will be the individual tenants or lessees. If the premises does not include any residential property, the customer can be either the property owner or the occupants. If circumstances dictate that only one bill can be provided for any particular utility, the owner shall be the customer, and the city shall not be responsible for allocating charges among multiple occupants, in such cases.
(Ord. passed 8-4-08)