(a) 
All residences and/or businesses within the city limits shall be required to connect to the City's water system and sewer system where such utilities are available, except in such areas as the city cannot reasonably supply service mains, such determination of reasonableness to be made by the City. Citizens who refuse to be connected to public utilities where such utilities are available will be billed at the minimum amount.
(b) 
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished in an amount not exceeding the amount set out in the Code of Ordinances. Each continuing day's violation under this article shall constitute a separate offense. The penal provisions imposed under this article shall not preclude Anson from filing suit to enjoin the violation.
(c) 
Anson retains all legal rights and remedies available to it pursuant to local, state and federal law.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
(a) 
The following monthly rates shall apply to customers of the Water System of the City of Anson:
(1) 
For residential customers inside the City limits, the minimum charge for water service for residential customers with a less than 1" meter size shall be $30.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers inside the City limits, with less than a 1" meter size, shall be $38.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for residential customers inside the City limits with 1" or larger meter size shall be $120.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers inside the City limits, excluding customers whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 90 individuals, with 1" or larger meter size shall be $165.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers inside the City limits whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 90 individuals but less than 900, with a 1" or larger meter size shall be $275.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers inside the City limits whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 900 individuals, with a 2.5" or larger meter size shall be $650.00 for 0 gallons. For water service the following rates shall be charged for customers inside the City limits, in addition to the minimum charge (calculated on a per 1,000-gallon basis):
0 to 2,000 gal
$6.00 per 1,000 gal
2,001 to 4,000 gal
$6.65 per 1,000 gal
4,001 to 6,000 gal
$8.50 per 1,000 gal
6,001 to 9,000 gal
$9.75 per 1,000 gal
9,001 to 12,000 gal
$11.00 per 1,000 gal
OVER 12,000 gal
$14.50 per 1,000 gal
(2) 
For residential customers outside the City limits with a less than a 1" meter size, the minimum charge for water service shall be $45.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers outside the City limits with a less than a 1" meter size shall be $60.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for residential customers outside the City limits with a 1" or larger meter size shall be $160.00 for 0 gallons. The minimum charge for water service for business customers outside the City limits with a 1" or larger meter size shall be $225.00 for 0 gallons. For water service, the following rates shall be charged for customers outside the City limits in addition to the minimum charge (calculated on a per 1,000-gallon basis):
0 to 2,000 gal
$10.00 per 1,000 gal
2,001 to 9,000 gal
$13.00 per 1,000 gal
Over 9,000 gal
$16.00 per 1,000 gal
(3) 
The minimum charge for water service for residential customers with a 1" or larger meter size used for irrigation purposes only shall be $60.00 for 0 gallons. In addition to the minimum charge, the following rates shall be charged for these customers (calculated on a per 1,000-gallon basis):
0 to 2,000 gal
$6.50 per 1,000 gal
2,001 to 4,000 gal
$7.25 per 1,000 gal
4,001 to 6,000 gal
$8.50 per 1,000 gal
6,001 to 9,000 gal
$11.00 per 1,000 gal
9,001 to 12,000 gal
$12.00 per 1,000 gal
OVER 12,000 gal
$14.50 per 1,000 gal
(4) 
The minimum charge for water service for bulk water customers with a 1" or larger size meter used for bulk water service only shall be a $150.00 for 0 gallons. In addition to the minimum charge, the following rates shall be charged for these customers (calculated on a per 1,000-gallon basis):
0 to 4,000 gal
$9.50 per 1,000 gal
4,001 to 6,000 gal
$10.75 per 1,000 gal
6,001 to 9,000 gal
$12.50 per 1,000 gal
9,001 to 12,000 gal
$14.50 per 1,000 gal
OVER 12,000 gal
$18.50 per 1,000 gal
(b) 
In addition, should any customer request the aid of the City to turn their water on or off in a non-emergency situation when the service is performed after regular City business hours, then such Customer's water account shall be charged $60.00 to cover the labor cost of the City to send a representative to perform such service. The City shall be the sole decider of when a situation is emergency or non-emergency. This additional charge shall be paid in the month it is added to customer's monthly utility bill and must be timely paid or be subject to penalty or disconnection of service.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
(a) 
The minimum charge for sewer service shall be $33.00 for 0 gallons for residential customers. The minimum charge for sewer service shall be $38.00 for 0 gallons for business customers except those customers whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 90 individuals. For each gallon of water used by the Customer, excluding customers whose account is for a facility that has the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 90 individuals, the rate for sewer service shall be $2.00 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed for residential and business customers inside the City limits and $5.50 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed for residential and business customers outside the City limits.
(b) 
For customers inside the City limits whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 90 but less than 900 individuals, the minimum charge for sewer service shall be $350.00 for 0 gallons of water used. For each gallon of water used by the Customer, the rate for sewer service shall be $7.00 per 1,000 gallons for the first 100,000 gallons, and $9.50 per 1,000 gallons for all water usage over 100,000 gallons of water consumed, in addition to the minimum charge.
(c) 
For customers inside the City limits whose account is for a facility that was designed to have the capacity to house overnight, whether temporarily or permanently, at least 900 individuals, the minimum charge for sewer service shall be $800.00 for 0 gallons of water used. For each gallon of water used by the Customer, the rate for sewer service shall be $9.50 per 1,000 gallons for the first 100,000 gallons, and $12.00 per 1,000 gallons for all over 100,000 gallons of water consumed in addition to the minimum charge.
(d) 
The minimum charge for sewer service shall be charged to a Customer when it is determined by the City that a person or entity is using the City's sewer system in any manner.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
There shall be a Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) charge of $12.50 per month on every primary utility account with either a water or sewer connection. There shall be no charge for secondary accounts (i.e., sprinkler systems) or for accounts using only garbage services. This CIP charge shall be administered when a customer uses any of the services provided by the City for water or sewer.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
(a) 
The following rates shall be applied to garbage collection accounts:
(1) 
Residential service: $38.00 for a 96-gallon container.
(2) 
Business service shall be: $43.00 if 96-gallon container is requested.
(3) 
The above rate will be for residential or business customers and such rate for service shall include one (1) 96-gallon container. Additional 96-gallon containers, for either a residential or business account, may be provided for an additional charge of $38.00 each. Any customer that uses the city's garbage service shall be charged the fees set out herein.
(4) 
Large commercial service: Per container.
(A) 
1.5 yd. 1 X/wk: $68.50.
(B) 
3 yd. 1 X/wk: $90.00.
(C) 
3 yd. 2 X/wk: $168.00.
(D) 
3 yd. 3 X/wk: $262.50.
(b) 
These rates will be subject to all appropriate state and local sales tax.
(c) 
In the event a customer's container contains waste or other material that is not approved by the City's waste hauling provider, the City or the waste-hauling provider may refuse to pick up the customer's container on that pickup date. The customer's container will be picked up at the next scheduled pick update, unless the non-approved waste has not been removed. It is the customer's responsibility to remove all non-approved waste from their container.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
There shall be a voluntary surcharge of $1.00 on each utility account in support of the Anson Volunteer Fire Department (the department). This surcharge shall be used for training and the purchase and repair of vehicles and equipment for the department.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The City of Anson shall require a utility deposit of $200.00 from all customers wishing to establish a utility account. This deposit shall be refundable to the customer when they close the utility account. However, if there is an outstanding balance on the account, the deposit shall be applied to the outstanding balance, with the remainder refunded to the customer. The deposit may be transferred if the customer transfers to a different service location.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
In order to obtain new service or transfer existing service, each customer shall present the City of Anson with written lease in the name of the customer and signed by the customer and the landlord or present a copy of the deed or other document where the real property that the utility service is to be provided was placed into the name of the customer. If the customer has no written lease, the customer shall provide the City of Anson with a signed copy of an "Affidavit of Lease Agreement" on the form presented by the City of Anson. Such affidavit shall be signed by the customer/tenant and the landlord/owner and such affidavit must be dated within the last 30 days. Only customer/tenant listed in the affidavit shall be eligible to have the utility service placed into their name and a customer that has a balance owed on his utility account cannot switch utility service from one name to another name listed in the affidavit without the account being paid in full.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
(a) 
The City of Anson shall require a nonrefundable water tap fee for newly installed water taps. The payment of the fee shall not make such water tap the property of the customer, as the water tap shall remain the property of the City of Anson after the customer pays the fee. The City shall also access a street cut fee should the City be required to cut into an existing street to install water or sewer service to a customer. The street cut fee shall be in addition to any water tap fee or sewer tap fee and is set out below. Such fee shall be paid according to the size of the water tap as set out below:
Size Tap Fee Inside the City Limits
Fee Outside the City Limits
3/4" Inside: $700.00
Outside: $850.00
1" Inside: $825.00
Outside: $950.00
1 1/2 Inside: $1,200.00
Outside: $1,350.00
2" Inside: $1,500.00
Outside: $1,700.00
Larger than 2": Consult City Manager for price.
(b) 
The customer shall also pay a nonrefundable sewer tap fee of $650.00 for customers that live in the City limits and $800.00 for customers outside the City limits on each new sewer tap installed. The payment of the fee shall not make such sewer tap the property of the customer, as the sewer tap shall remain the property of the City of Anson after the customer pays the fee.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
(a) 
It shall be the policy of the City of Anson to encourage the timely payment of utility bills.
(b) 
All utility bills shall be due on the 15th day of the month, or the first business day after the 15th if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Bills that are not paid by the 15th shall be assessed a 10% penalty. Penalties shall be cumulative.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The City will compile a list of all outstanding bills as of the 24th day of the month at 4:00 p.m., or at the same time on the next business day after the 24th if it falls on a weekend or holiday. The City Manager shall then call for each account with $30.00 or more in outstanding charges to be disconnected for non-payment. Accounts that are on the list at the time it leaves City Hall shall be initially assessed a non-payment fee of $60.00. Each additional time the customer is disconnected for non-payment the non-payment fee will increase by 10% up to a maximum amount of $150.00.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The City shall impose an account transfer fee of $50.00 to cover the administrative costs of transferring accounts. This fee shall be paid in advance of the transfer.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The City shall alter this price scheme from time to time if required to do so as a result of an increase in fuel prices or other expenses associated with the City's contract with its garbage collection service company or with the City's contracts with West Central Texas Municipal Water District.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
In the event that a lock placed on a water meter, as described in § 13.02.011 [sic], is cut or otherwise disabled or removed or tampered with, the customer shall pay an additional fee to reconnect in the amount of $200.00.
(Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The City shall allow for customers to request a reread of their meter in the case they do not feel the billing is accurate. In the event the City receives a request for reread, the City Manager will send a crew to manually read the meter and then compare the reading to the electronic reading on file. If there is found to be an error, the City Manager will cause a correction to be applied to the account. If the customer requests a reread and there is found to be no error, the customer shall be required to pay a service charge of $50.00.
(Ordinance 947 adopted 3/21/22; Ordinance 951 adopted 12/11/2023; Ordinance 957 adopted 2/24/2025)
The following shall be the procedure for resolving complaints or disputes on water bills for end-use customers (“customers”) of the city for water provided by the city:
(1) 
All water bills must be paid in the time period provided by ordinance or be subject to the penalties set out in the ordinance governing water usage (“the ordinance”). However, if a customer believes his or her water meter was incorrect and/or disputes the amount of water such bill states that the customer used, the customer may complain or dispute the bill by providing written notice to the city secretary or the city manager within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such water bill. If no dispute or complaint is provided by the customer to the city secretary or the city manager in writing by such time period, the city shall not consider such complaint and the customer shall pay the bill as required by the ordinance. Receipt of such water bill by the customer shall be presumed to have occurred 3 days after such bill is mailed by the city.
(2) 
Upon receipt of such complaint, the city manager (or his agent) shall take the appropriate action to determine whether the complaint is valid and/or the customer’s account should be adjusted. The city manager will reread the customer’s water meter (this may include manually rereading the meter) as soon as reasonably possible to determine if there was an error in the initial reading of the customer’s meter. The city manager shall also check the billing process to see if the customer was billed incorrectly for his or her water usage. The city manager may also take other steps he may deem necessary to verify whether the amount of water used by a customer is correct. If the city manager does not find that a complaint is valid and/or that the customer’s account should be adjusted, then the bill initially provided to the customer by the city shall be paid as required by the ordinance. The customer shall have either five (5) days to pay such bill after the customer is notified of the decision of the city manager or the customer shall pay the bill on the original due date, whichever is later, or normal penalties and interest shall accrue after such later date as set out in the ordinance. If the city manager does find that a complaint is valid and/or that the customer’s account should be adjusted, he shall adjust the bill so that it reflects the amount of water used by the customer in that billing cycle and the customer shall pay this bill in accordance with the ordinance.
(3) 
If the city manager does not find a complaint is valid and/or that the customer’s account should be adjusted and the amount of water used for that time period in question is greater than fifty percent (50%) of the customer’s average monthly water usage for that time period, whether summer months or winter months, then the customer may appeal in writing the decision of the city manager and request that the city council hear his or her complaint. Such request for appeal must be done in writing within 10 days [after] notice of the city manager’s decision. It shall be presumed that the customer received notice of the city manager’s decision 3 days after the decision is mailed to the customer.
(4) 
Upon the appeal of the decision of the city manager to the city council, such complaint shall be heard by the city council within sixty (60) days of the decision of the city manager. The mayor shall cause the complaint to be placed on the agenda of the city council and the matter discussed during the council meeting. The complaint, after placed on the agenda, shall only be considered if the customer is present at such council meeting. If such customer fails to show at the council meeting, then the complaint shall be denied and the customer shall pay the water bill as required by the ordinance. Such complaint shall only be placed on the agenda of the city council one time, unless a majority of the city council votes to table its decision on the matter until further evidence can be presented at a future city council meeting.
(5) 
After the city council hears the complaint of the customer and the response of the city manager and considers any other matters that may be relevant or of interest to the city council, including the customer’s payment history, the city council may adjust the customer’s water bill. If the adjustment is a reduction in the amount owed by the customer, such reduction shall not be to an amount lower than the highest month’s bill for the summer months within the last 24 months if the disputed water bill was from the summer months’ time period, or such reduction shall not be to an amount lower than the highest month’s bill for the winter months within the last 24 months if the disputed water bill was from the winter months’ time period.
(6) 
Summer months shall be defined as the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September.
(7) 
Winter months shall be defined as the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March.
(Resolution 2003-06 adopted 5/8/03)
(a) 
Personal information, such as social security numbers, may be requested at the time of application for utility services within the city.
(b) 
Personal information may be used only to identify customers for their protection and for the purpose of collecting funds owed to the city. This confidentiality requirement does not affect the ability of the city utilities to release such information to other governmental agencies for official purposes, to consumer reporting agencies, or to another entity providing utility service.
(c) 
All personal information collected for use by the utilities shall be retained in locked facilities. Only authorized employees of the city shall be allowed to access the information. Computer access to the information shall be limited to authorized city employees.
(d) 
Personal information shall be retained only so long as required for use by the city utilities and as required by the city records retention ordinance. Expired documentation and data shall be destroyed in accordance with the city records retention ordinance.
(Resolution 2005-25 adopted 11/10/05)
The city shall charge a temporary water service fee for property owners who wish to conduct temporary repairs or maintenance to their property without opening a full utility account. The fee shall be $15.00 and shall be good for three days. Water service will automatically be disconnected after three days unless the property owner purchases additional time.
(Ordinance 829, sec. 3(5), adopted 4/25/05)
It shall be the policy of the city to charge the maximum service fee allowed by law for checks returned on an account for insufficient funds.
(Ordinance 829, sec. 3(6), adopted 4/25/05)
No free service shall be allowed, and to the extent that the city or any of its agencies or instrumentalities avail themselves of the services and facilities provided by the system, they shall pay therefor the same rates and charges herein prescribed.
(Ordinance adopted 4/8/48, sec. 5)