As a general policy all utility bills, disputed or not disputed, are to be paid in full on or before the due date printed on the face of the utility bill.
(a) A property owner has the right to appeal a billing considered to be inaccurate or in dispute by following the procedural guidelines listed below:
(1) The property owner shall notify the Utility Office within ten days of the billing date, in writing, of the precise nature of the dispute.
(2) The Utility Clerk shall review the account and in consultation with the Director of the Water Department determine a resolution of the disputed billing; a written notice of the review and resolution shall be sent to the affected property owner.
(3) The property owner may appeal the review and resolution of the Utility Office to the City Manager; the City Manager or his designee shall review the disputed billing and make a final determination.
(4) Once a final determination has been rendered by the City Manager or his designee a written notice stating same shall be issued to the affected property owner and the bill shall no longer be considered in dispute and the particulars of the final determination shall be in force.
(5) When a disputed bill is being appealed by the property owner the water service shall not be disconnected; should the utility bill remain unpaid after the imposition of a final determination the water service shall be disconnected for nonpayment.
(6) During the appeal process the City reserves the right to waive or to impose a late charge fee and shall determine same on a case by case basis.
(b) Only two appeals of utility service charges shall be permitted during any calendar year and the Water Department reserves the right to impose charges or fees for a second appeal should the second "unjustified" appeal for the year. The charges or fees that may be imposed shall cover the administration costs associated with the second appeal.
(Ord. 91-1404. Passed 11-5-91.)