A. Upon failure of any customer to pay any part of a utility bill submitted by the City for any utility services pursuant to section 17-101 of this chapter by the past due date which is printed on the bill, the following actions and penalties may result: (1986 Code)
1. A late charge penalty percentage as established by the City Council and recorded on the fee schedule shall be added to any utility bill which is not paid by five o'clock (5:00) P.M. on the fifteenth day of the month for which the payment is due. If the fifteenth day falls on a weekend or a holiday, the utility payment is due by five o'clock (5:00) P.M. on the next workday.
If the utility payment was mailed and shows a postmark by the thirteenth of the month (clearly showing intent of payment arrival by due date), the penalty will be waived. (Ord. 2007-10, 11-8-2007)
2. The authorized agents of the City may disconnect or discontinue any or all utility services to the customer after mailing or posting written notice to the customer of the intent of the City to disconnect or discontinue at least twenty four (24) hours prior to the discontinuance of any or all of the utility services.
3. The authorized agents of the City may discontinue to furnish water to any customer refusing or neglecting to pay all or any part of a utility bill submitted after mailing or posting written notice to the customer at property where the service will be discontinued of the intent of the City to disconnect the water service.
B. If any utility service is discontinued or disconnected pursuant to this section, the City, or its agents, shall not reconnect or reestablish the service until the full amount of any outstanding utility service bill is paid, plus the penalty provided in this section, plus any applicable charges or expenses in reconnecting or reestablishing the service. (1986 Code)
C. A violation of the utility services for unpaid utility bills shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates or refuses to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished as provided in section 1-108 of this Code. (Ord. 2001-05, 4-5-2001)