§ 19-51. User rates and charges.

(a)

A quarterly sewer usage unit rate shall be established by resolution of the city council as a part of the annual budgetary process.

(b)

A sewer usage account shall be maintained in the name of each property owner connected to the city's sanitary sewer system. The city clerk shall prepare and mail to the owner of each consumer premises connected with the sanitary sewer system a statement for sewer usage services furnished thereto during the preceding quarter. The quarterly billings will be based on winter quarter water usage unless that consumption proves inaccurate, then actual quarterly usage measurements shall be employed. Charges for individuals connected to sewer but not water shall be billed on an assumed usage rate. Upon the request of a property owner the city will bill monthly if the customer provides an automated deposit into the city's account and agrees to receive bills electronically.

(c)

The city clerk shall compute the amount due to the city for sewage charges and render a quarterly statement thereof. All amounts due as shown on the invoice shall be payable at the municipal building on or before the 21st day of the following month in which the invoice is issued. A penalty of ten percent shall be added to all accounts that are not paid in full by the due date. This penalty shall be computed on the unpaid balance not paid by the appropriate due date at the time each quarterly statement is prepared and presented.

(d)

In the event any sewer usage charge is not paid within three months after the time it is rendered, the council may recover said amount in an action brought in any court of competent jurisdiction, or in the alternative, may certify the amount due together with penalties to the county auditor to be collected with other real estate taxes levied against the premises served.

(Ord. No. 5, § 4, 3-11-85; Ord. No. 515, § 2, 12-13-10)