§ 25-32. Deposit for utility service (schedule A).

(a)

The following deposits are required for water and sewer service:

(1)

Domestic consumers of water or dischargers of sewage, opening accounts after the effective date of this section, shall make a deposit of the amount set by the city council from time to time. Schedule A, listing current amounts, shall be available at the development services center. Residential owner-occupants, including single-family townhouse and condominium owners, shall be exempt from the deposit requirements of this subsection. Landlords shall be exempt from paying an advance deposit for each change of tenant. The landlord must submit in writing a statement taking full responsibility for payment of all his accounts until such time as new tenants assume the responsibility. This statement will be kept on file in the utility billing office. The customer service office must be informed within twenty-four (24) hours of any change in tenants that results in a temporary vacancy so that the account can be placed in the landlord's name. The landlord must have and maintain a good payment history to qualify for this exemption.

(2)

The commercial, industrial and institutional recipient of such services shall be required to make a deposit in the amount set by the city council. Schedule A, listing current amounts, shall be available at the development services center. Local, state and federal governments or agencies thereof shall be exempt from the deposit requirement of this subsection.

(3)

If the same recipient or customer has multiple accounts only one (1) deposit shall be required if the customer has a good payment history. In the case of a management company or conglomerate which operates several separate companies under one (1) corporate management, a separate deposit shall be required for each account.

(4)

Any customer who is exempted from the deposit requirements of this section must have and maintain a good payment history. If service is discontinued for reason of nonpayment, a deposit may be required at the discretion of the finance director.

(b)

The deposits made shall be used for the purpose of ensuring the payment of utility bills and to secure the city against any loss that might be incurred.

(c)

The deposits required by this section to be paid to the city shall be without liability on the part of the city for profit or interest.

(d)

Unless forfeited as provided in section 25-8, such deposits shall be returned at the termination of service, less any unpaid rates and charges.

(Ord. No. 1995-25, § 3, 5-16-95; Ord. No. 1999-29, 5-18-99)