(A) It is the policy of the city to discontinue utility service to customers by reason of nonpayment of bills only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on disputed bills. The city's form for application for utility service and all bills shall contain, in addition to the title, address, room number, and telephone number of the official in charge of billing, clearly visible and easily readable provisions to the effect:
(1) That all bills are due and payable on or before the date set forth on the bill;
(2) That if any bill is not paid by or before that date, a written cut-off notice will be sent to the customer in accordance with the city's Residential Water Shut-Off Policy, detailing the date by which payment or arrangement for payment is required to avoid discontinuation of service and options for payment to avert discontinuation of service; and
(3) That any customer disputing the correctness of his or her bill shall have a right to a hearing, at which time he or she may be represented in person and by counsel, or any other person of his or her choosing and may present orally or in writing his or her complaint and contentions to the city official in charge of utility billing. This official shall be authorized to order that the customer's service not be discontinued and shall have the authority to make a final determination of the customer's complaint.
(B) The city may adjust or delay payment of water bills in accordance with the city's Residential Water Shut-Off Policy that has been adopted by resolution of the City Council.
(C) When it becomes necessary for the city to discontinue utility service to a customer for nonpayment of bills, service will be reinstated only after all bills for service then due have been paid, along with a turn-on charge, the amount of which shall be governed by the city's Residential Water Shut-Off Policy, adopted by resolution of the City Council.
(Am. Ord. 2022-005, passed 9-27-22)