The utility billing office is hereby authorized to charge and
collect monthly service charges for water, sewer, garbage and electricity
services, security deposits, penalties, fees and other charges established
by ordinance or resolution. The amounts to be charged shall be established
by ordinance or resolution of the city council and adjusted from time
to time as necessary to sustain efficient utility services and comply
with laws and regulations.
(Ordinance 1137 adopted 6/20/13)
(a) Customers requesting new utility service or requesting restoration
or reconnection following discontinuance of service shall be required
to post a deposit in an amount established by the city council by
ordinance or resolution and maintained on file in the office of the
city secretary.
(b) Customers with a good credit history may be eligible for a reduced
deposit amount in accordance with policy established by the city council
by ordinance or resolution. “Good credit history” shall
mean that the customer has not been late on any utility bill with
the city within the immediate previous 12-month period.
(c) Deposits shall be applied to unpaid charges when a utility account
is disconnected or closed for any reason. When the deposit is insufficient
to satisfy any unpaid charges, the city will bill the customer for
any deficiency.
(d) Upon meeting the following conditions any customer who established
a utility account for water, sewer, garbage and electrical services
no earlier than two (2) years prior to June 20, 2013, the effective
date of Ordinance No. 1137, (06-20-11) the customer’s utility
deposit may be returned to the utility customer upon satisfactorily
meeting all of the conditions as provided herein:
(1) Continuous service within the city at the same location for a period
of two (2) years;
(2) A satisfactory payment record, meaning no more than two (2) late
payments in the previous two (2) years;
(3) No disconnections of service for nonpayment within the previous two
(2) years; and
(4) No written or any insufficient checks within the previous two (2)
years.
(e) Refunds of deposits shall therefore be made for all eligible utility
service customers who may have opened an account with the city within
this two-year window period.
(Ordinance 1141 adopted 10/17/13)