(A) Late charges. Beginning on the subsequent day of the month that the account becomes delinquent, a late charge penalty of 1.5% plus an administrative processing fee in an amount set by Council resolution shall be assessed.
(B) Shut-off for nonpayment. City utility service shall not be shut-off until notice and an opportunity for hearing before the City Council have been provided to the occupant and owner of the premises involved.
(1) If any bill is not paid by the due date listed on the bill, a notice will be mailed by first class mail to the occupant and shall state that if payment is not made by the date specified in the notice, but not less than 10 days of the mailing of the notice, the city utility service to the premises will be shut-off for nonpayment.
(2) The notice shall also state that the occupant or owner has the right to a hearing before the City Council prior to utility service being shut off. The owner or occupant may be represented in person or by counsel or any other person of his or her choosing. The owner or occupant must request a hearing in writing to the City Clerk’s office.
(3) If the past due amount is not paid within 72 hours of proposed disconnect, a subsequent notice will be sent to the owner of the premises indicating that utility service at their property will be disconnected if payment is not received.
(4) If an occupant or owner requests a hearing, the city utilities shall not be shut off until the hearing process is complete.
(5) If a customer fails to pay and fails to appear at the hearing, service will be shut off at the time specified in the notice.
(6) Before service will be restored, the account must be paid in full along with disconnect and reconnect fees. A security deposit may also be required.
(7) Shut-off procedures will be adjusted as needed to comply with state statutes as they relate to cold weather rules.
(Ord. 311, passed 6-28-2004)