ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

15-101. DEFINITION.

For purposes of this article utility services shall include water, electrical, sewer, solid waste (refuse) and other utility services provided by the city. (Code 2004)

15-102. DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS.

Unless otherwise provided, water, electric, sewer, solid waste (refuse) or other utility service shall be terminated for nonpayment of service fees or charges in accordance with sections 15-103:104. (Code 2004)

15-103. NOTICE; HEARING.

(a)    If a utility bill has not been paid on or before the due date as provided in this chapter, a delinquency and termination notice shall be issued by the city clerk within five days after the delinquency occurs and mailed to the customer at his or her last known address. A copy also shall be mailed to the occupant of the premises if the occupant and the customer are not the same person.

(b)    The notice shall state:

(1)    The amount due, plus delinquency charge;

(2)    Notice that service will be terminated if the amount due is not paid within 10 days from the date of the notice unless the date on the notice to pay the charges due shall be on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event such notice will give the consumer until the close of the next business day in which to pay the charges;

(3)    Notice that the customer has the right to a hearing before the designated hearing officer;

(4)    Notice that the request for a hearing must be in writing and filed with the city clerk no later than three days prior to the date for termination of service.

(c)    Upon receipt of a request for hearing, the city clerk shall advise the customer of the date, time and place of the hearing which shall be held within three working days following receipt of the request.

(Code 2004)

15-104. SAME; FINDING.

Following the hearing, if the hearing officer shall find that service should not be terminated, then notice of such finding shall be presented to the city clerk. If the officer finds that service should be terminated, an order shall be issued terminating service five days after the date of the order. The customer shall be notified either in person or by mailing a letter to his or her last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested. However, if the order is made at the hearing in the presence of the customer, then no further notice need be given. The hearing officer has a right, for good cause, to grant an extension, not to exceed 10 days, for the termination of such service. (Code 2004)

15-105. CONNECTION/RECONNECTION FEE.

(a)    Each new customer making application for utility service shall pay a connection fee in the amount of $30 for each new connection.

(b)    In the event the utility service has been disconnected or discontinued for failure to pay any bill due the city for such utility, a reconnection fee of $30 shall be assessed.

(c)    Any person requesting disconnection or any residence temporarily disconnected for any reason from water service for a period of more than 24 hours shall be charged a connection/reconnection fee to resume service.

(Ord. 1215)

15-106. BAD DEBT CHARGES.

All bills which are determined to be bad debt and turned over for outside collection, including the State of Kansas set-off program, shall be subject to a fee of 25% of the total of the delinquent amount. This bad debt administrative charge shall be applied prior to referral for collection. (Ord. 1261)

15-107. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.

(Ord. 1215)

15-108. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.

(Ord. 1215)

15-109. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.

(Ord. 1215)