(A) Service will be supplied only to those who apply.
(B) Users will make application for service, in person or online, at HRW, and at the same time make the deposit guarantee required below. A $15 account set-up fee and/or transfer fee of the same amount is due upon initial account set up or subsequent transfer of a consumer's water service to another address.
(C) The amount of deposit shall be determined by entering all responsible consumer information into an online utility database. If the consumer or consumers have a history of outstanding debt to other utilities, a copy of the amount of debt and the utility to which it is owed shall be provided to the consumer at the time of application. A credit score is determined by this procedure.
(D) Property owners, if approved by the procedure described in division (C) above shall not be required to make a deposit. If the property owner is not approved by the above described procedure, they will be charged a minimum deposit of $50. This deposit will be refunded after one year of no penalties such as delinquent or reconnection fees. All other consumers, if approved by the procedure described above, shall make a minimum cash deposit of $50 per service requested. All other consumers with a delinquent credit history will be charged a minimum deposit of $100 per service requested. Deposits shall not accrue interest. All consumers who qualify as commercial users under the current rate structure shall be exempt from this deposit requirement.
(E) All property owners with no established accounts, must provide HRW with a deed or purchase agreement for the property where water and/or sewer service will be provided. All other users must provide HRW with a copy of a rental or lease agreement for the property where water and/or sewer service will be provided. All consumers identified as financially responsible parties on the rental or lease agreement shall be listed as responsible parties on the account as setup by HRW.
(F) HRW may reject any application for service not available under a standard rate or which involves excessive service cost, or which may affect the supply of service to other customers or for other good and sufficient reasons.
(G) HRW may reject any application for service when the applicant is delinquent in payment of any bills incurred for service or connection fees previously supplied at any location, provided that when the owner of the premises has been served water and has not paid for the same, HRW shall not be required to render service to anyone at said location where the water was used until said water bill has been paid.
(H) The person or persons whose name the account is under shall be responsible for payment of all bills incurred in connection with the service furnished.
(I) A separate deposit is required for each meter and/or service connection requested.
(J) The deposit receipt is not negotiable and can be redeemed only at HRW.
(K) The deposit required by this chapter or part remaining thereof will be refunded upon payment of final bill and final accounting except in instances described in division (D) above in which it may be refunded earlier.
(L) Final bills are prorated based upon the number of days service is provided.
(Ord. passed 6-30-2015; Ord. passed 7-16-2018; Ord. passed 6-15-2020; Ord. passed 11-16-2020)