A. Clerk To Render Bills And Collect Charges: It is hereby made the duty of the village clerk to render bills for the municipal utility service and all other charges in connection therewith, and to collect all monies due thereon. (1965 Code § 5-1-8; amd. 2009 Code)
B. Due Date; Late Charge: Bills for charges for municipal utility service shall be due and payable within fifteen (15) days from the date the bill is rendered. An additional charge equal to ten percent (10%) of the bill or twenty five dollars ($25.00), whichever is higher, shall be added to all bills not paid within fifteen (15) days from the date the bill is mailed. (Ord. 07-02-14-O1, 7-2-2014)
C. Payments:
1. Combined Bill; Payment In Full Required: Charges for municipal utility service, if itemized separately on one bill, shall be considered as for one combined service, and no partial payment of the bill will be accepted as in payment of any separate item of the bill. (1965 Code § 5-1-7)
2. Payment By Check; Insufficient Funds:
a. The village clerk is authorized to accept checks, money orders or other drafts in payment of utility bills. (1965 Code § 5-1-13; amd. 2009 Code)
b. Any checks, money orders or other drafts that are not accepted by the bank for whatever reason will be deemed to be nonpayment of the bill, and the provisions of subsections D and E of this section will be followed. For any checks, money orders or other drafts that are not accepted by the bank and are returned to the village, the following penalties will apply:
(1) First occurrence: Twenty five dollars ($25.00).
(2) All subsequent occurrences within one year: Fifty dollars ($50.00). (1965 Code § 5-1-13)
c. The village clerk is authorized to request payment in cash if two (2) or more checks, money orders or other drafts have been returned by the bank within one year. (1965 Code § 5-1-13; amd. 2009 Code)
D. Delinquent Charges A Lien: In the event charges for the municipal utility service are not paid within thirty (30) days after the rendition of the bill for such service, such charges shall be deemed and are hereby declared to be delinquent, and thereafter, such delinquency charges shall constitute a lien upon the real estate occupied by the user to whom the service is supplied, and the clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file a sworn statement showing such delinquency in the office of the county recorder of deeds, and the filing of such statement shall be deemed notice for the payment of such charges for such service. (1965 Code § 5-1-5)
E. Discontinuance Of Service For Unpaid Charges:
1. If the charges for the municipal utility service are not paid within thirty (30) days after rendition of the bill for such service, such service shall be discontinued as provided by state law. (1965 Code § 5-1-6)
2. If the village shuts off or terminates water service for any reason, including for delinquent or unpaid charges, the user whose service is terminated shall pay to the village a shutoff fee of fifty dollars ($50.00). If service to any user has been terminated for whatever reason, the user shall pay a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to reestablish service. Service will not be reestablished to any user that has a delinquent bill. The village manager shall have discretion to waive any applicable service termination or reestablishment fees as provided herein. (Ord. 09-21-2011-O2, 9-21-2011)