(A) If the water user has a previous balance of unpaid utility services and a current balance of unpaid utility services after the due date of the current month’s statement, such account shall be deemed and declared to be delinquent. A fee of $55 shall be added to all delinquent accounts. The Water Superintendent shall cut off all water supplies to the delinquent user. In order to return the account to good standing and restore water service, all balances, penalties and fees must be paid in full. Prior to discontinuance of water service, a shutoff notice shall be sent to the water user after the due date if the utility bill is declared delinquent and not paid in full. The notice shall inform the water user that they have the right to contest a disputed bill before a city official who has the authority to review and, if appropriate, make adjustments. The notice to the water user shall advise the water user on how to request a hearing. Any hearing shall be requested within five business days of mailing of the shutoff notice. The city will take appropriate legal action on all unpaid water bills. There shall be a lien upon the real estate to which water service was used or supplied if the city files the appropriate notice of lien in the office of the County Recorder. The notice shall consist of a sworn statement setting out:
(1) A description of the real estate sufficient for identification thereof;
(2) The amount of money owed to the city, including any lien fees and a $25 administrative fee; and
(3) The approximate date or dates when the water usage was provided.
(B) Upon payment of the water bill, the lien release shall be provided to the property owner by the city.
(C) In the event a water user has been declared to be cut off of all water supplies, water will not be turned on again until payment of the unpaid bills have been paid in full.
(1990 Code, § 30-110) (Ord. 62-641, passed 1-15-1962; Ord. 76-446, passed 6-21-1976; Ord. 93-1547, passed 11-1-1993; Ord. 97-1787, passed 12-1-1997; Ord. 01-2016, passed 6-4-2001; Ord. 05-3083A, passed 6-6-2005; Ord. 09-3263, passed 11-2-2009; Ord. 13-3424, passed 11-4-2013; Ord. 14-3465, passed 11-17-2014; Ord. 18-3561, passed 1-2-2018)