(A) Deposit required. An application for water, garbage and/or sewer service hereafter shall be accompanied by:
1. A creditworthiness statement meeting the qualifications as determined by the city;
2. A deposit of three times the estimated monthly bill; or
3. Written consent of property owner to be responsible for tenant’s bill, as long as owner qualifies with a creditworthiness statement.
(B) Additional deposit. Any tenant, renter or homeowner who has tendered a deposit less than the amount as described in subsection (A) of this section shall not be required to increase their deposit unless their account becomes delinquent and services are shut off for nonpayment. If this should happen, an additional $25 will be required each time the account becomes delinquent until the new deposit amount is paid in full to the city. This addition to the deposit amount will be required the same as the payment for the services and penalties prior to restoring services.
(C) Deposit refunds. Deposits will be refunded if any of the following apply (see Chapters 5 and 6 of this title and Title 8, Chapter 2 of this code relating to water, sewer and garbage regulations):
1. After the closing bill is paid in full;
2. May be applied to the closing bill at customer’s request in conjunction with payment of any outstanding balance above the amount of the deposit, or applied with a refund of the unused portion; and
3. If after a 12 consecutive month period the account has been paid in a timely manner for all 12 months, the deposit will be applied to the account.
(D) Deposit forfeitures. In the event a customer leaves the area and has a deposit on file with the city, the deposit will first be applied to any unpaid balance on their account. If there is any portion of the deposit remaining, staff will attempt to contact said customer by telephone and/or mail in order to complete the refund. If staff is unable to locate said customer, the deposit will be held for six months. If after that time period the customer does not claim the deposit, the deposit shall be forfeited equally to the water, garbage and/or sewer funds.
(Ord. 456, passed 6-4-1996)