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)