(A) A minimum deposit for each utility service requested prior to any services being provided shall be required from customers to secure payment for services. For all commercial and industrial customers, a deposit or suitable guarantee equal to twice the average estimated monthly bill shall be required before service is initiated. For residential customers, a minimum gas deposit for mobile homes, rental dwellings, and apartments shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00). A minimum water/sewer deposit required for mobile homes, rental dwellings, and apartments shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00). No deposit shall be required for homeowners for water/sewer or gas service.
(B) Deposits will earn interest at the rate of three percent (3%) per year (not compounded). Interest will be paid at the time the deposit is refunded or at the time it is applied against a the customer's final bill. The three percent (3%) interest will apply to all deposits presently being held.
(C) Murray Municipal Utilities may, at its option, return deposits to the customer after one (1) year. The utility may require any commercial or industrial customer to increase their deposit if inflation or increased use of service has caused the deposit to be less than a two (2) months' average bill.
(D) Murray Municipal Utilities may refuse or discontinue service to a customer if payment of a requested deposit(s) is not made.
(E) Upon termination of service, the deposit, any principal amounts, and any interest earned and owing, shall be credited to the final bill with any remainder refunded to the customer.
(Ord. 711, passed 7-24-80; Am. Ord. 735, passed 6-25-81; Am. Ord. 91-943, passed 3-14-91; Am. Ord. 93-998, passed 3-25-93; Am. Ord. 2002-1291, passed 10-10-02; Am. Ord. 2016-1699, passed 4-28-16; Am. Ord. 2022-1836, passed 12-8-22)