All delinquent charges for water service under this article shall be a lien upon the real estate to which the water service is supplied. Any delinquent charges for water service which remain unpaid for three months after they become due may be, by resolution of the City Council, assessed against the real estate as a special assessment. The special assessment shall be certified by the City Clerk to the County Clerk. The County Clerk shall place the assessment on the tax rolls for collection by the County Treasurer, subject to the same penalties and to be collected in the same manner as other city taxes. Provided, the City Clerk shall notifying writing any non-occupying owners of the real estate or their agents whenever their tenants are 60 days delinquent in the payment of their water charges. If in response to that notice, the real estate owner or his or her agent notifies the City Clerk in writing to discontinue water service, it shall be the duty of the City Clerk to notify the City Manager, or the designee of the City Manager, who shall cause the service to be discontinued. Any charges for water service furnished to the occupants of the real estate contrary to the owner’s notice shall not be a lien on the real estate.
(Ord. 3150, passed - -1990; Ord. 4255, passed 1-19-2021)