(A) Utility service provided to an occupied dwelling, or other occupied facility, may not be terminated because of the failure of the customer to pay their utility bill until 14 days after the utility serves notice upon the customer of its intent to terminate said service. Said notice shall be in the form of a past due notice.
(B) The past due notice must, in separate numbered paragraphs:
(1) Indicate the date on which service will be terminated;
(2) State the reason and factual basis for termination of service;
(3) List the telephone number of the town office that customers may call during business hours in order to question the proposed termination of service or to seek information concerning their rights; and
(4) State that customers may appeal the termination of service decision and may refer to the notice for information as to their rights.
(C) Service of a past due notice under this section must be made by:
(1) First class mail addressed to the customer at the address listed for the customer in the records of the utility; or
(2) Personal delivery posted in a conspicuous location at the service address.
(D) No notice may be served before the date on which the customer's account becomes delinquent.
(E) The Town Council shall designate a person or persons as hearing officer(s) to hear appeals filed by utility customers. Customers shall be notified of the date, time and place of the agreed hearing at least 5 days before the date of the hearing by first-class mail to the customer's address. At the hearing, the hearing officer shall promptly issue a decision based on the evidence.
(F) After following the appeal provisions set forth above, unless the hearing officer rules otherwise, utility service, whether it be electric, water, wastewater or any combination thereof, provided to a residential customer at one metering point, residence or location, may be disconnected for failure to pay for utility service whether it be electric, water or wastewater, or any combination thereof, provided to the same metering point, residence or location if such bill has remained unpaid for at least 45 days.
(Ord. 1305, passed 2-24-2015)