§ 8-1-10. Opportunity for hearing disputed bills.

It is the policy of the city to discontinue utility service to customers by reason of non-payment of bill only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on disputed bills. Any customer disputing the correctness of his bill shall have the right to a hearing at which time he may be represented in person and/or by counsel or other person of his choosing, and may present orally or in writing, his complaint and contentions.

Water and sewer complaints shall be directed to the operations manager of the public services department. Electrical billing complaints shall be directed to the utility service superintendent. Both the operations manager of public services and the utility service superintendent shall be authorized to hold a service order to discontinue service in abeyance during the period of investigation.

Both the operation manager of public services and the utility service superintendent shall be authorized to make final resolutions for their respective utilities, and order any billing adjustments. The customer will be notified of the results of the investigation and determination prior to adjustment or cutoff.

The customer making the complaint shall thereafter have the right of further appeal to the city manager or his designee. Said appeal shall be made in writing within 48 hours of the resolution of the initial hearing.

In the absence of the payment of the bill rendered or failure to use the hearing procedure provided herein, service will be discontinued at the time specified.

(Ord. No. 89-20, § 1, 2-16-89; Ord. No. 97-102(1), § 1(5), 12-18-97)