(A) When system rates, fees and charges are not timely paid, it is necessary to re-bill, to undertake other procedures required by this subchapter, to prepare separate notices and accountings and undertake other tasks that are not needed if they are timely paid. In addition, the other system users essentially subsidize the non-paying or late paying user’s use of the system. The system is not established, operated or well-adapted to provide financing services for its users. Accordingly, charges are made to compensate the system for the costs incurred due to untimely payments.
(B) Bills will be rendered at such intervals as are determined from time to time by resolution of the Township Board, but not less frequently than quarterly.
(C) Bills shall be due and payable without interest or late fee at such time after billing as is stated on the bill, provided not less than 15 days shall be given for such payment after the billing date.
(D) Bills not paid by the due date shall bear interest at such rate and be subject to a rebilling fee as determined by the Township Board.
(E) Service, installation, inspection, use and material rates, fees and charges, including late fees and interest due thereon, shall constitute a lien on the premises served from the date of such service. The property owner, not the renter/tenant, is responsible for all water charges, fees and assessments. The township official or officials in charge of the collection shall annually, not later than September 1 of each year, certify to the Tax Assessing Officer of the township for the township in which the property is located the fact and the amount of the delinquency in payment for water services to the property. Such lien shall have the same priority and shall be collectible in the same manner as delinquent ad valorem real property taxes. If the township is provided with notice in writing, including a copy of the lease of the affected premises, that a tenant is responsible for the water charge, the Township Board may require as a condition to rendering water services to such premises a cash deposit equal to service charges at current rates for three months (one quarter) as security for the payment of service charges.
(F) In addition to the other methods of collection and enforcement provided in this rule or in law or at equity, the township may, after notice of its intention to do so and of the opportunity for a hearing to show cause why it should not occur, have the right to shut-off water service to any premises for which rates, fees and charges for water service are not paid by the due date, and such service shall not be re-established until all delinquent charges, interest, penalties and a turn-on charge, to be specified by the township, have been paid.
(G) In addition to the other methods of collection and enforcement provided in this rule or in law or at equity, the township shall have the option of collecting all rates, fees, charges, interest and late fees due pursuant to this chapter by legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(Ord. passed 4-4-2017)