A. Notice Of Intention To Terminate: If any utility bill, or part thereof, shall remain unpaid for a period of thirty (30) days, the city shall give written notice by regular United States mail to the utility services customer to whom such bill was rendered, who shall be deemed the agent of the owner and/or occupant of the premises for the purpose of notice, specifying the amount due, with penalties, and advising of the city's intention to terminate service on a date not less than ten (10) days after the mailing of such notice. Such notice shall also contain a statement to the effect that the utility services customer has a right to a hearing before the city officer or employee named in the notice within such ten (10) day period and shall contain the telephone number at which such officer or employee may be contacted to request a hearing.
B. Termination Of Service; Reconnection:
1. Termination Of Service: If a utility bill remains unpaid, in whole or in part, after service of the required termination notice and the appropriate time period of such notice has expired, and if:
a. No hearing before the city officer or employee named in such notice has been requested; or
b. After such hearing, if such charges are found to be properly imposed, then the utility service may be terminated.
2. Reconnection Fees: Utility service which has been terminated pursuant to the provisions of subsection B1 of this section shall not be reconnected until all past due utility bills, penalties and any required deposit have been paid, together with a reconnection charge of twenty five dollars ($25.00).
3. Unauthorized Use Of Water: If no service contract has been established and water has been appropriated without authorization, the service may be terminated without notice. In these circumstances, the service may not be initiated until utility bills with penalties, along with the utility service initiation or transfer fee, and any required deposit has been paid, together with a connection fee as outlined in section 2-6E-12 of this code. Additional penalties, up to and including the filing of criminal charges as described in section 8-2-11 of this title may be initiated. (Ord. 2010-10, 9-21-2010)