Publisher's Note: This Section has been AMENDED by new legislation (Ord. 2023-14
, passed 11-7-2023). The text of the amendment will be incorporated below when the ordinance is codified.
A. Rates And Connection Fees: The rates, penalty fee for delinquency in payment, connection fee, reservoir fee, inspection fee and other charges incidental to connection and services from the city water system shall be in such amounts as specified in the comprehensive fee schedule resolution. The governing body may promulgate rules for levying, billing, guaranteeing and collecting charges for water services and all other rules necessary for the management and control of the water system. Rates for services furnished shall be uniform with respect to each class or classes of service established or that may hereafter be established. (1989 Code § 14-117)
B. Delinquency; Discontinuance Of Service:
1. The City shall provide a utility bill containing the utility service charges assessed to each customer once a month. The utility bill may be sent electronically, or by mail.
2. The utility bill shall specify the amount charged for utility service, the available methods of payment, and the date payment is due.
3. Utility bills shall be delivered by the twentieth of each month for services provided during the previous month. The due date for the utility bill shall be the last day of the same month as the utility bill is delivered.
4. Delinquent Notification Procedure:
a. If utility bills are not paid by the fifteenth of the following month notice of "Past Due" amount will appear on the customer's next utility bill.
b. If the past due amount remains unpaid thirty (30) days after the original due date within ten (10) days an automated voice message call will be sent to the telephone number the customer has provided as their primary contact.
c. If the past due amount remains unpaid sixty (60) days after the original due date within ten (10) days the City will attempt a direct call (not automated) to the telephone number the customer has provided as their primary contact.
d. If the bill is not paid within twenty four (24) hours of the direct call the City may disconnect the delinquent customer from water services.
e. Shut-offs will be done between the fifth through the twelfth of each month and not sooner than a delinquency of at least sixty five (65) days or when three (3) monthly payment due dates have passed without payment.
f. After water service is disconnected, the City will only reconnect the delinquent customer when the total charges are paid in full or other arrangements are made only with approval of the Finance Director or City Manager.
g. Furthermore, in addition to such payments and penalties, a delinquent customer may be required to make and file a new application and deposit.
5. The City is hereby authorized and empowered to enforce the payment of all delinquent water charges by an action of law in the name of the City. (1989 Code § 14-121; amd. 2012 Code; Ord. 2021-07, 8-17-2021; Ord. 2022-03, 6-7-2022)