(A) Returned payment fee. If a customer should make an apparent payment of the utility bill and that payment is returned, rejected, or otherwise dishonored by a financial institution for fraud, insufficient funds, or for any other reason, then the utility billing clerk shall assess on the utility bill a returned check fee of $30 for each such occurrence. If this payment was made in response to a disconnection, then the town may disconnect water service to the customer's unit immediately until all amounts owed are fully paid.
(B) Late/deferred payment charge.
(1) The utility billing clerk shall assess on the utility bill a late or deferred payment charge on any portion of a utility bill related to the Water Department that remains unpaid by the date on which it is due pursuant to the town's customary billing practices.
(2) The amount of the late or deferred payment charge shall equal 10% of the first $3 plus 3% on the excess over $3.
(3) The charge incurred under this division shall be imposed only once with respect to any month for which an unpaid balance exists.
(C) Collection costs. The utility billing clerk shall assess on the utility bill a charge for collection costs, including attorney and paralegal fees, that the town has incurred to ensure prompt payment of an unpaid utility bill.
(D) Taxes. The utility billing clerk shall assess on the utility bill any taxes for the rates and charges provided in this chapter that are required to be imposed by law and for which taxes have not already been included.
(Ord. 2022-02, passed 6-21-2022)