Jackson Municipal Code Div. VIII Billing

The procedure for rendering bills for water service, their payment and the consequences on nonpayment, unless otherwise provided elsewhere in this chapter, shall be governed by administrative regulations adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

In case of dispute as to payment of bill previously rendered, the customer will be required to present the paid receipt bill, cancelled check or other satisfactory evidence before adjustment or corrections shall be made.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

Bills for all metered service will be rendered monthly or bimonthly as determined by the city. Meters shall be read at approximately equal intervals for the preparation of periodic billing. Special reading shall be taken for opening or closing bills.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

Each meter on a customer's premises shall be billed separately, and the readings of two or more meters will not be combined unless the water department shall, for operating convenience or necessity, install two or more meters in place of one.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

If a customer is found to be using water for which no bills have been issued, the water department shall install a meter and bill the customer for such past water use to the extent applicable.

If the total period of service is less than the billing period, it shall be billed on the basis of fifteen-day increments or portions thereof. Current minimums will apply. However, in any case, if the quantity of water consumed is greater than that of the periodic minimum, the charges shall be calculated on the actual water consumption.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

Bills are due and payable on presentation. Payment shall be made at the commercial office or other place or places designated by the city manager. The water system accepts no responsibility for nonreceipt of bills, except in circumstances which are under its direct control.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

All water bills become delinquent fifteen days following the billing date and if not paid by the delinquent date a ten percent delinquency charge will be charged and added to the notice. Such delinquencies shall also be subject to a penalty of not exceeding one and one-half percent per month for nonpayment of the charges and basic penalty. Reconnection shall be in accordance with administrative regulations.

If a customer receives service at more than one service location and the bill for any one of that customer's accounts becomes delinquent and service is discontinued, service at all other locations may also be discontinued.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

When water service has been discontinued because of delinquency of payment of a water bill, the service shall not be turned on until all delinquent and turn-on charges have been paid and a cash deposit to reestablish credit has been made in accordance with administrative regulations.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

If after a service is discontinued for delinquency in payment, service is resumed without authorization, the meter may be removed following which a reinstallation charge will be made for restoring service. Such charge is to be in addition to all charges and deposits and in accordance with administrative regulations.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

A. Bill adjustments ordinarily will not be made because of excess delivery of water. However, when evidence clearly shows that such excessive delivery is due to concealed leaks in underground or unexposed pipes and not otherwise from wasteful use or due to the consumer's acts, omissions or negligence, adjustments will be considered upon request.

B. If it is determined by the city that an adjustment is warranted, the water department shall determine the amount of excess delivery by calculating the average bill in accordance with their standard method. Maximum of one-half of the excessive delivery may be allowed. Any adjustment must be first approved by the finance officer.

C. An adjustment will only be made after repairs have been made and it is certain such leak or loss will not again occur. No adjustment or allowance will be made covering more than the single billing period in which the same is requested. Not more than one adjustment or allowance shall be made to the same customer for the same premises in any twelve-month period.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

Every customer being supplied water from the water system to premises outside the city limits shall pay water rates and charges which represent full cost recovery by the city, which is to be one hundred fifty percent of the rates and charges established for the purpose of this chapter for water users within the corporate limits of the city.

(Ord. 578 §2, 1995)

Whenever in this chapter or any rule or regulation created under the authority of this chapter an act is made or declared unlawful or prohibited any violation thereof shall constitute a misdemeanor or infraction as determined by the city.