[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
The amounts billed to the property owner shall be paid by the due date stated in the bill. For amounts unpaid by the due date, the city shall send bills bearing notification to the property owner concerned that if the bills are not paid within 15 days, they shall become delinquent and, pursuant to Division 5, Part 3, Chapter 6, Article 4 of the Cal. Health and Safety Code (§§ 5470 et seq.), a basic penalty equal to 10% of the charge shall be immediately imposed, and an additional penalty in the amount of ½% of the charge per month shall be imposed for each month that payment is delinquent thereafter. Charges which remain delinquent for a period of 60 days shall become and constitute a lien against the property against which the charge is imposed, which lien shall become effective upon recordation with the County Recorder and when so recorded shall have the force, effect and priority of a judgment lien.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
The city shall, upon request by the owner of a single family residence, send statements for charges to his or her tenant or occupant thereof. It shall remain the responsibility of the property owner to ensure payment of the charges, as they are a charge against the property itself.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
A returned check charge in the amount specified by the City Council in the fee resolution may be imposed for all checks made payable to the city which are returned from the bank for any reason whatsoever. This fee shall be payable each time a check is returned. Further, all provisions for collection of delinquent accounts as set forth in this chapter shall be applicable to the returned check charge.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
For any bills unpaid within two weeks after the end of the fiscal year, the city shall notify the property owner concerned that the Council shall review and approve as a charge against the property the delinquent amount, and the amount of the penalty and interest. The delinquent bill shall be filed with the County Auditor and, upon recordation by the County Recorder, shall constitute a lien against the property. The assessment shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as are county property taxes and shall be subject to the same penalties and to the same procedure for foreclosure and sale as provided for ordinary county taxes.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
As a method of enforcing the provisions of this code or any other resolution, ordinance, rule or regulation pertaining to the collection or disposal of sewage or where any charges or fees are due, the Council upon a 3/5 vote may authorize the termination of sewer service to any property.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
Prior to termination of service, the City Council shall notify in writing the owner, tenant, occupant or person in charge of such property that service is intended to be so terminated and conduct a hearing thereon. Such notice shall be mailed to the owner at the address shown on the records of the assessor of the county or is known to the City Council and a copy shall be delivered to the tenant, occupant, or person in charge thereof, or posted conspicuously on the property. The notice shall state the date of proposed termination of service and the reason therefor and the date the City Council shall hold a hearing upon such intended termination. Such hearing shall not be held less than ten days subsequent to the giving of notice as herein provided.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
Where service has been disconnected as provided herein the City Council may require the person or persons making application for re-establishment of service to pay all expenses incurred by the city in causing such disconnection and re-connection before permission is granted re-establishing service to such property.
[Ord. 1525, 2-6-2008]
During any period of disconnection, the habitation of such disconnected premises by human beings shall constitute a public nuisance, whereupon the city shall cause proceedings to be brought for the abatement of the occupancy of said premises by human beings during the period of such disconnection. In such event and as a condition of re-connection there shall be paid to the city a reasonable attorney's fee and costs of suit arising in said action.