§ 34-410. Hearings on disputed bills.

(a)

Any customer wishing to dispute their utility bill charges may submit to the City Manager a written request for a hearing on the disputed bill. The request must be filed within seven calendar days from the date of the utility bill. Upon filing of a request for hearing, all proceedings relative to collection of the disputed bill shall be stayed until the final decision is made.

(b)

The City Manager or designate shall schedule a hearing on the disputed charges and shall notify the complaining party in writing of the time, place and date of such hearing. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the City Manager or designate shall make a final determination as to the amount due and owing on the disputed bill and shall notify the customer in writing of the decision.

(c)

If the decision is that there are charges due and owing, the customer shall have seven calendar days from the date of service of the notice to make full payment. Failure to make the payment within seven days shall result in a 48-hour termination of service notice provided in section 34-406.

(d)

If, in the judgment of the City Manager or designate, the public's interest can be protected and at the same time the burden on the customer reduced, a written agreement arranging for partial payment or a payment schedule can be accepted.

(Prior Code, § 75.055; Code 2006, § 13.20.12; Ord. No. 1238, § 1(part), 1991; Ord. No. 1495, § 4(13.20.12), 1-25-2011)