(A) If any charge established shall not have been paid within ten calendar days after the charge is due, a statement thereof and notice to red tag will be sent to the customer on file. A late fee will be added to the balance due.
(B) If same charges for use of the water system are not paid within ten calendar days after statement and notice to red tag the charges are hereby declared to be delinquent and the city shall red tag the property/residence specifying water will be cut off by the end of business day the 15th of the month. When the red tag is posted a red tag fee is charged to the account. Monthly charges and late fees continue to accumulate on unpaid balances.
(C) Following the above sequence, on the 16th of the month the water will be cut off at the meter. The account will be continued to be charged the monthly base rate and late charges for any past due amounts. If the customer wishes to restore water service, all past due charges, current charges, late fees, red tag fees, reconnect fees and a double deposit must be paid by secured funds (no check accepted).
(D) If all charges are not paid within 90 days and after appropriate notification as stated herein, the city shall terminate water service by locking or pulling the meter. A non-payment for 90 days constitutes liens upon real estate for which the services are supplied. The city shall file a notice of the lien in the office of the County Clerk and proceed to foreclose the same. This notice shall consist of a sworn statement by the Mayor setting out:
(1) A description of real estate sufficient for the identification thereof;
(2) The amount of money past due, including accumulating monthly fees for the use and service of the water system; and
(3) The date when the amount became delinquent, and such other requirements as shall satisfy the laws of the state governing the establishment and foreclosure of liens. If foreclosure proceedings are instituted, a reasonable attorney's fee shall be recovered.
(E) In all cases, all past due amounts including expense to lien must be paid before water service is restored. A red tag fee will be charged, a reconnect fee will be charged, in addition to all past due amounts. A double deposit will be required for accounts which have been red tagged.
(Ord. 127, passed 6-23-2011)