[1]
Editor’s note–Many of the utility rates previously published in this division were superseded by Ordinance 2015-10-2 adopted 10/12/15 and are now located in the fee schedule published in this code.
When opening a residential utilities’ account, the first month’s garbage/waste collection fee is due. A utilities’ deposit is also required. Deposits and garbage/waste collection fees are in the amount set forth in the fee schedule and shall be paid before water can be turned on. This deposit may be applied to any account that is deemed by the municipal clerk to be closed. At the time a customer provides notice of continuation of service is provided to the city, utilities’ account deposit shall be applied to the account’s final balance. Should the deposit exceed the amount due for the final bill of the utilities’ account, the remainder of the deposit will be refunded.
(Ordinance 2021-01-02 adopted 12/11/20)
The following charges shall be made and collected by the utilities’ department for each water and sewer tap connection furnished and created by it:
(1) 
Water taps.
Shall be in the amount set forth in the fee schedule.
(2) 
Fire taps.
All connections for fire protection systems sprinklers shall be in the amount set forth in the fee schedule.
(3) 
Sewer taps.
Shall be in the amount set forth in the fee schedule.
(Ordinance 2021-01-02 adopted 12/11/20)
(a) 
The monthly rates and charges for sales made or services rendered by the water system and the wastewater system of the city are hereby established, levied, fixed and prescribed as follows:
(1) 
Water service charges.
As set forth in the fee schedule.
(2) 
Wastewater service charges.
(A) 
Application.
The rates set forth in the fee schedule are applicable to wastewater service customers which have metered water connections, and to all water customers, whether such premises have been physically connected to such wastewater service or not. Garbage collection fees for residences in the city limit are also listed on the fee schedule.
(B) 
Establishment of residential wastewater rates.
(i) 
Residential application.
Computations outlined herein are applicable to rates specified in subsection (a)(2)(A) above (wastewater fees). Bills shall be computed on the basis of the average water usage for the December, January, and February billing periods. That average rate will be the billed [amount] until the following fiscal year’s averaging takes place. New rates established through averaging are applied to utilities’ accounts the March after which the averaging took place. Charges based on average use shall be billed each month throughout the year.
When a utilities’ customer does not have recorded usage for the previous December, January and February, charges for the period until averaging has taken place shall be billed a flat rate based on the number of occupants in the residence. One occupant will be charged based on an assumed winter water usage of 2,500 gallons per month. Two occupants will be charged based on an assumed winter water usage of 5,000 gallons per month. Three or more occupants will be charged based on an assumed winter water usage of 7,000 gallons per month.
(ii) 
Commercial and public application.
Bills for wastewater service to each commercial and public establishment shall be computed each month based upon the water used during the month.
(3) 
Drainage fee.
All utilities’ accounts will be assessed a fee as set forth in the fee schedule per month for drainage. The charge will appear on the utilities’ bill as “drainage fee.” This money will be put into its own category for the sole purpose of improving the city’s drainage system. This drainage utility account will be utilized for the purchase of supplies and labor associated with the improvement and repair of the drainage system of the city.
(b) 
Fees computed under this section are on the bill generated and mailed on or about the 1st of the month and due by the 16th of the month. A penalty as set forth in the fee schedule shall be added to each utility bill not paid by the 16th day of the month that bills are issued. If the bill is not paid by the 6th day of the following month, the city can discontinue service by removing the water meter or turning the water off. A charge as set forth in the fee schedule, in addition to the late charge, shall be paid to the city before the water will be turned back on or the meter will be re-installed. A $30.00 fee will be charged for returned checks and ACH payments returned for having nonsufficient funds. Citizens who have services suspended due to nonpayment, having water cut-off, must not turn the water back on before coming to the city office and clearing the account. When water is turned off, the meter will be read. Anyone turning on the water after it has been turned off by the city can be prosecuted for theft of service.
(Ordinance 2021-01-02 adopted 12/11/20)
(a) 
Definitions.
Bypassing.
The act of attaching, connecting, or in any manner affixing any wire, cord, socket, motor, pipe, or other instrument, device or contrivance to the utility supply system or any part thereof in such a manner as to transmit, supply, or use any utility service without passing through an authorized meter or other device provided for measuring, registering, determining, or limiting the amount of water consumed.
Customer.
The person responsible for payment for water service for the premises, and such term includes employees and agents of the customer.
Person.
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, or other legal entity.
Tampering.
The act of damaging, altering, adjusting, or in any manner interfering with or obstructing the action or operation of any meter or other device provided for measuring, registering, determining, or limiting the amount of water consumed.
Tampering includes turning the water meter on after it has been cut off for non-payment of service without the approval of the city, or water meter being turning back on when turned off by city staff.
(b) 
Violations.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere, tamper, or bypass any meter provided for measuring or registering the quantity of water passing through said meter without the knowledge and consent of the city.
(2) 
If any evidence of interference, tampering, or bypassing with any meter or startup of service is found, the city may terminate service immediately. All costs for water received, and expenses related to terminating services pursuant to this section, including costs of labor and materials and specified fees, shall be paid by the person responsible for such interference, tampering, or bypass.
(3) 
This section shall not apply to a licensed plumber or home owner who is working on the plumbing or water service at a business or residence.
(c) 
Presumption.
It may be presumed that the customer or occupant of any premises where interference, tampering, or bypass is proven to exist caused or permitted such interference, tampering, [or] bypass if the tenant or occupant has access to the part of the utility supply system on the premises where the interference, tampering, or bypass is proven to exist and if said customer or occupant was responsible or partially responsible for payment, either directly or indirectly, to the utility or to any other person for utility services, provided for the premises.
(d) 
Penalties.
Any person found guilty of violation of this section shall be punished as a class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of up to $500.00 plus court cost and a minimum fine of $200.00 plus court costs.
(Ordinance 2021-01-02 adopted 12/11/20)