Chapter 13.03
ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT
Sections:
13.03.010 Authority established.
13.03.030 Condition precedent.
13.03.040 Adjustment credit/refund.
13.03.080 Delegation of authority.
13.03.010 Authority established.
In addition to the powers and authority otherwise provided in the ordinances of the city of Centralia and notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary set forth therein, the city manager shall have the authority to adjust utility customer billings as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.020 Written request.
Within ten days of the billing date, any utility customer of the city of Centralia feeling aggrieved by a utility billing may seek adjustment of such city utility billing by filing with the Centralia city manager a written adjustment request stating specifically the billing in question, the nature of the adjustment sought and the reasons therefor. Any documentation, records or data the customer believes supports such request shall accompany the written adjustment request or be deemed waived by the customer. The customer’s mailing address and phone number shall be clearly stated on such request. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.030 Condition precedent.
At or before the time such written request is filed with the city manager, the customer shall pay all amounts due the city under the billing in question. Failure to do so shall cause the automatic and immediate denial of such request. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.040 Adjustment credit/refund.
In the event the city manager determines an adjustment is appropriate, the amount of the adjustment shall be credited to the customer’s next billing or, in the event service has been discontinued prior to such billing, remitted by check or warrant to the customer. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.050 Factors considered.
In determining whether or not to grant the adjustment request, in whole or in part, the city manager should consider all reasonably relevant factors including but not limited to appropriate city records, statements of city personnel involved, prospects of city error, unusual and unforeseen circumstances, acts of nature, equipment failure or malfunction, and mail failure. Financial hardship or difficulties of the customer alone shall not constitute sufficient cause for adjustment to the account, unless otherwise required by applicable laws. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.060 Decision.
Within sixty days of the receipt of such written adjustment request, the city manager shall advise the customer of the decision by written notification sent to the customer at the address noted on the adjustment request or thereafter provided by the customer. Such notification should be sent by regular first class mail and, upon mailing, the customer shall be deemed notified of such decision. The customer shall have the sole responsibility to notify the city manager of any changes in mailing address or phone number. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.070 Decision final.
The decision of the city manager shall be final and no appeal may be taken therefrom. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).
13.03.080 Delegation of authority.
The city manager may delegate the authority and powers specified in this chapter for the city manager to the city clerk, city treasurer or a city utility superintendent/director to the extent and upon the terms, conditions and limitations specified by the city manager in written confirmation thereof filed with the city clerk. Such delegation may be revoked or modified by the city manager at any time. The city manager shall be notified of any decisions made by such city official within five working days of the rendering of such decision. (Ord. 1607 § 1 (part), 1987).