(A) Activation fee. An activation fee of $50 must be paid in order to have utility services connected at any property. This applies to all property owners, residents, renters, and businesses. Any balance owed by the applicant on a previous account for utility services, must be paid in order for a new account to be activated.
(B) Deposits. All renters (includes businesses renting a space) are required to pay a $150 deposit in addition to the activation fee in order to have utility services connected. Homeowners will be required to show proof of ownership in order to have the deposit waived. Deposits remain on the account until the account is closed. Once the account is closed, a final bill will be generated and the deposit will be applied to the final bill. Any balance after the final bill has been paid will be refunded by mail to the customer.
(C) Floating activation fees. Landlords have the option of keeping a $50 floating activation fee on the account in order to avoid paying the activation fee each time a renter moves out and the landlord needs to restore the service. If the landlord chooses to not float their activation fee, one will be required each time they need to restore service in their name at the service address.
(D) Application for service. Prior to utility services being connected, an application must be completed at City Hall and the applicant must provide a valid driver's license and social security number. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to open a water account. If the applicant has purchased a residence or business, they must also provide proof of ownership in order for the deposit to be waived. Only the person whose name is on the proof of ownership can have utility services connected in their name. The person occupying the residence must have the account in their name.
(E) Transferring service. If a customer is transferring continuous utility service from one street address to another, an additional activation fee will be required. All balances on the previous service address must be paid before utility service will be connected at the new service address. If the final bill for the old service address is not paid when due, utility services will be disconnected at the new residence until the city receives payment for that bill. The deposit from the previous account is transferrable to the new service address.
(F) Name on account. The occupant of a service address must have the account in their name, excluding businesses. If it is determined by the city this is not the case, the city will notify the customer by written notification. The current resident will have 30 days to place the account in their name with a new application and pay a $150 deposit in order to avoid disconnection of services.
(Ord. passed 3-13-2017)