(a) All charges for water and sewer service shall constitute a lien on the property served which may be enforced under the provisions of 1933 PA 94, MCL 141.121; and, if not paid within six months after the charges are due, the official in charge of the collection shall, prior to May 1 of each year, certify to the tax assessing officer of the city the facts of such delinquency, whereupon the officer shall enter such delinquent charges upon the next general city tax roll, as a charge against the premises, and the lien shall be enforced in the same manner as provided by law for delinquent and unpaid taxes. Unpaid water rates or charges may also be collected by suit in assumpsit brought in the name of the city against the owner or occupant of the premises or property, or both.
(b) In addition to all the rights and methods of collection, the city shall have the right to shut off and discontinue the supply of water to any premises or to disconnect any premises from the public sewer for the nonpayment, when due, of water or sewer service charges, or for the refusal to allow reasonable access to the premises for service or repair to city water meters. All disconnection charges and fees, as established by city council resolution, shall be paid prior to turning on the water to or reconnecting such premises to the POTW and all previous utility bills shall be paid in full. Before utility service may be disconnected for nonpayment, the Authority shall first provide written notice by first-class mail to the owner of the premises served as shown on the city's most recent tax bill, to occupants of the premises, and to any tenants of the premises as shown on the city's personal property tax roll and provide the owner and/or tenants an opportunity for an informal hearing for the Authority to review any factual disputes.
(Ord. No. 144, 5-16-2005)