Chapter 15 · Utilities

Article 1. General Provisions

Sections 15-101 to 15-108 · 8 sections

15-101 Definition.

For purposes of this article utility services shall include water, sewer, and other utility services provided by the city.

(Code 2003)

15-102 Delinquent accounts.

Unless otherwise provided, water, sewer, or other utility service shall be terminated for nonpayment of service fees or charges in accordance with sections 15-103:104.

(Code 2003)

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 2003)

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 2003)

15-105 Petty cash fund.

A petty cash fund in the amount of $1,000 is established for the use of the city utilities department, for the purpose of paying postage, freight, temporary labor, and other emergency expenses, including refund of deposits made to secure payment of accounts.

(Code 2003)

15-106 Same; deposits.

The petty cash fund shall be deposited in the regular depository bank of the city and paid out on the order of the city clerk by check which shall state clearly the purpose for which issued.

(Code 2003)

15-107 Same; vouchers.

Whenever the petty cash fund becomes low or depleted, the city clerk shall prepare vouchers covering expenses as have been paid from the petty cash fund and shall submit such vouchers together with the paid checks to the governing body for review and allowance of the amounts from the regular funds of the utilities. Warrants issued therefor shall be payable to the petty cash fund and shall be deposited therein to restore said petty cash fund to its original amount.

(Code 2003)

15-108 State debt collection fee.

Whenever the City refers the collection of a delinquent water and/or sewer bill for collection by the State of Kansas pursuant to authority granted to the State of Kansas under K.S.A. 75-6201 et seq. and amendments thereto, the bill referred to the State shall contain an additional collection fee that does not exceed the amount that the State of Kansas will charge the City for collecting the delinquent water and/or sewer bill. The actual amount of the additional collection fee shall be established by motions of the governing body.

(Ord. 632)