12.20.020 Assessing charges and penalties for nonpayment, disconnection and reconnection.
(1) Delinquency. A utility account is considered delinquent when the customer or occupant receiving the service fails to pay the utility charges within the date set forth on the billing for such services.
Termination of service does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay delinquent accounts and charges.
(2) Disconnection and Reconnection Charges.
(a) There shall be a shutoff charge assessed for each voluntary or involuntary discontinuance of service; provided, that the shutoff charges shall be more if the utility department is required to make a special trip for a single account. The disconnection charges are set forth in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution.
(b) There shall be a reconnection charge assessed for each reconnection; provided, that the reconnection charge shall be more if the utility department is required to make a special trip for one account. The reconnection charges are set forth in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution. If a customer makes payment by 4:00 p.m. on a business day, reconnection shall occur on that same day. Payments received after 4:00 p.m. shall result in reconnection on the following business day. For payments received after 4:00 p.m., if same day, weekend, or holiday reconnection is desired by the customer, such reconnection shall be considered after hours and may be made by the city at its sole discretion subject to staff availability. After hours reconnection charges shall be as established by council resolution.
(c) If service is shut off by reason of an account being delinquent at a single premises more than once within a 12-month period, the shutoff and reconnection charges after the first time during the 12-month period shall be increased as set forth in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution.
(d) If service has been terminated for delinquent and unpaid charges, temporary restoration will be allowed for inspection related to a potential sale. The fee for such service is set forth in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution.
(3) Late Penalty. For each notice sent to a utility customer advising the customer that an account is delinquent or the utility service will be discontinued by reason of the delinquency, there shall be a late penalty charge added to the account of five percent of the unpaid balances.
The finance director, or his/her designee, is authorized to waive the late penalty charge and disconnection and reconnection charges under the following circumstances:
(a) Where a utility customer has made arrangements with the city, prior to the date the billing is due, for deferral of the payment of the bill;
(b) Where a utility customer has not been delinquent in the previous 12 months; or
(c) If an emergency arises where the water service needs to be disconnected.
(4) Other Fees and Charges.
(a) If a utility account is dishonored by the drawer’s bank by reason of insufficient funds, a surcharge, as specified in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution, shall be added to the utility account, and shall be paid in full.
(b) If a utility account is dishonored by the drawer’s bank by reason of post-dated check, lack of drawer’s signature, or other irregularity, a surcharge, as specified in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution, shall be added to the utility account, and shall be paid in full.
(c) If a utility account is liened by reasons of nonpayment for up to four months, the customer shall be responsible for payment of all lien recording fees. These lien charges shall be assessed on utility account balances.
(d) If a utility customer requests a meter read outside the regular read cycle, a charge, as specified in Chapter 3.30 SMC or as established by council resolution, shall be added to the utility account. (Ord. 1405 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2015; Ord. 1351 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1295 § 2, 2011; Ord. 1189 § 4, 2006; Ord. 1101 § 2, 2000; Ord. 1085 § 2, 1999; Ord. 748 § 2, 1988).