(A) It is the policy of the city to discontinue water service to customers by reason of nonpayment of bills only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on disputed bills. The city water bills shall contain, in addition to the title, address, and telephone number of the water billing department, clearly visible and easily readable provisions to the effect:
(1) All bills are due and payable on or before the date set forth on the bill; and
(2) That if any bill is not paid by or before the date specified on the water bill, a late notice will be mailed indicating if the bill is not paid by the 25th of the month, service will be discontinued for nonpayment.
(3) The city has the right pursuant to the South Carolina Setoff Debt Collection Act to collect any delinquent sum due through offset of the state income tax refund including all fees.
(B) When it becomes necessary for the city to discontinue water service to a customer for nonpayment of bills, service will be reinstated only after all bills for service then due have been paid. An administrative fee may be paid at the time of reinstatement or will be added to the next month’s bill.
(C) The Department of Public Works (DPW) will check to insure unpaid accounts remain disconnected the following business day and verify the meter does not indicate water consumption. If the meter indicates water consumption, the meter will be locked and rechecked within the next five business days.
(D) When a meter is rechecked and the lock is broken or missing, the meter will be pulled and a cut lock fee, pulled meter fee and reconnect fee will be assessed to the account. All balances to include all applicable fees must be paid in full for water service to be reinstated.
(1985 Code, § 12-40)