(A) The method for computation of rates and service charges established for user charges in § 53.085 shall be made available to a user within seven days of receipt of a written request for such. Any disagreement over the method used or in the computations thereof shall be remedied by the Superintendent after notification of a formal written appeal outlining the discrepancies.
(B) A user may file with the Water Clerk a written protest and petition for hearing within ten days of receiving his or her monthly bill. If a written protest and petition for hearing is not filed with the Water Clerk within the ten-day period, the water charges shall become a final bill due and owing without further notice.
(C) If a written protest and petition for hearing is filed within the ten-day period, the Superintendent shall fix the time and place for hearing and shall give written notice to the user. The hearing shall be scheduled for a date within 14 days of receipt of the written protest and petition for hearing, unless the user requests a later date convenient to all parties.
(D) Whenever a user has filed a timely written protest and petition for hearing, the Superintendent shall conduct a hearing regarding the appeal. The user, however, may request that a hearing officer conduct the hearing rather than the Superintendent.
(E) At the hearing, the Superintendent/hearing officer shall preside and shall hear testimony and accept any evidence relevant to the computation of rates and service charges. The strict rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings shall not apply.
(F) Within ten days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Superintendent/hearing officer shall make a written determination on the basis of the evidence presented at the hearing. The user shall be provided with a copy of the written decision.
(Ord. 862, passed 12-5-2002)