§ 13.16.060. Bills—Due and payable when—Procedures for termination of services for nonpayment of charges.

A.

Payment Due Upon Receipt. All utility charges as established by this Code shall be determined on a monthly service basis and shall be due and payable upon receipt. However, payments are not considered late if paid within 14 days of the mailing of a utility bill, which is referred to in this chapter as the 14-day payment period. After 14 days the bill becomes delinquent.

B.

Delinquent Bills. When a utility bill becomes delinquent, the city shall mail a "Final Past Due Notice" to the consumer. The notice shall be mailed to the address shown in the city records and shall state the amount due, including the late payment charge, the scheduled turn-off date, which shall be not less than ten calendar days after the notice is mailed.

EXCEPTIONS FOR SENIORS. Residents that are 65 years old or older may be exempted from penalties and reconnection fees. This does not exclude any account from actual disconnection for nonpayment.

C.

[Reserved.]

D.

Complaint. If a consumer believes that the amount billed for utilities services is erroneous, or if a consumer believes he or she has been billed for services not actually rendered, the consumer may file a written complaint with the utility office before the end of the 14-day payment period. The consumer's complaint may be thoroughly investigated by city staff and the results will be reported back to the consumer. Corrections to the bill will be made whenever justified.

E.

Deferred Payment Plan. If a consumer anticipates a problem paying a utility bill due to sickness, injury or like cause, he or she should request a "deferred payment plan" agreement. Temporary extensions may be granted at the discretion of the utility office manager.

F.

[Reserved.]

G.

Delinquent Accounts. Service shall be discontinued to customers with accounts that have been delinquent 35 days. In order to reestablish service the consumer must pay an administrative reconnection fee of $20.00, the outstanding utility bill balance (or execute a "deferred payment plan" agreement), and any adjustments to the deposit that are required by this Code.

H.

[Reserved.]

I.

Double Deposits. Any consumer of the utility services furnished by the city which has discontinued such services through either nonpayment of the utility bills or through relocation of residence with a delinquent account shall be required to furnish a double deposit for city services requested and such consumer shall also be required to pay all past due utility bills and penalties due.

( Ord. No. 2015-15 , 10-27-2015; Ord. No. 2012-23, 10-9-2012; Ord. 2003-14 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-03 § 2, 2003; Ord. 2000-08 § 2; Ord. 99-18 § 2; prior code § 25-100)