§ 122-84. Miscellaneous charges.

(a)

Delinquent billed accounts. All billed accounts are due and payable on the billing date. Billed accounts not paid within 30 days from the billing date are delinquent, and service may be disconnected by the county and a service charge added to the account. This delinquent service charge is applicable to each service call to discontinue service for delinquent accounts. The customer will be charged for the service call even if the service is not disconnected. Also, see section 122-47.

(b)

Service calls. All customer service calls shall be charged to the customer requesting the service in accordance with a fee schedule established by the county reflecting as closely as possible the actual cost to the county for rendering the services. Restoration of service will only be made during normal working hours.

(c)

New customer service. Service charges shall be levied for the following new customer service:

(1)

Regular water service turn-on, next workday after application or later.

(2)

Emergency water service turn-on.

(d)

Meter reinstallation due to nonpayment or failure to apply for service. A service charge to reinstall a meter shall be levied.

(e)

Meter replacement, damaged. A charge will be made to replace a meter which has been damaged or frozen, or has in any way been made inoperative. This includes the service call. The damaged meter must be returned. Also see subsection 122-151(c).

(f)

Meter missing or stolen, replacement. A charge, based upon county cost, will be made to replace the meter.

(g)

Miscellaneous service calls. Service calls to uncover meters, raise meters where the yard has been backfilled or landscaped, or repair meter boxes or meter connections will be billed at county cost.

(h)

Returned checks. A processing fee will be charged for returned checks. If water service has been discontinued as a result of the returned check, the services in subsections (a) and (d) of this section will also apply.

(i)

Failure to apply for service. A fee will be charged to water and/or wastewater system users who have not properly applied for service in their own name. A separate fee shall be charged for each trip made by the county in an effort to have the customer properly and successfully apply for service. Payment must be made by the applicant for all water and wastewater services utilized subsequent to the former customer discontinuing service.

(j)

Water and wastewater deposits. A deposit is required on all accounts at the time water and/or wastewater service is connected. This deposit shall be as defined within the rate schedule. The deposit shall be held on account for a period of not less than 24 months. After an account has established an excellent payment record for a consecutive 24-month period, the deposit shall be refunded. An excellent payment record shall mean there is no incident of delinquency, returned check, or a regular pattern of payment when past-due. The method of refund will be as a credit to the account or as a separate payment(s). If a deposit has been refunded and the account subsequently becomes delinquent, a deposit shall be required to be reestablished on the account, or arrangements made, prior to reestablishment of service. If an account is closed prior to a deposit refund, the deposit amount shall be applied to the final bill and a balance mailed to the customer as a credit refund.

(k)

Unauthorized connection or usage. Fees will be charged for unauthorized water or wastewater system connections and also for the unauthorized use of county water or wastewater system services. Also see section 122-151.

(Ord. of 6-28-88, § 3-26-24; Ord. of 4-30-98; Ord. of 10-13-98 (eff. 1-1-99); Ord. of 2-27-07)