HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance #3097 ORDINANCE NO. 3097
AN ORDINANCE ADMENDING TITLE 8 (PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY),
CHAPTER 10 (WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM; RATES) OF THE
CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the Legal and Ordinance Committee has determined that it is necessary,
describable and in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Canton to modify and amend
Title 8 (Public Ways and Property), Chapter 10 (Water and Sewer System; Rates) of the Canton
Municipal Code.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois has made a
similar determination.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and the City Council for the
city of Canton, Illinois, as follows:
1. That Title 8 Chapter 10, Section 2 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-2: MANNER OF SETTING METERS, STOP BOXES: All meters placed in
connection with the city waterworks system shall be set under the direction of the building
official in some convenient place in the cellar, or (if there is no cellar) on the first floor of the
building served, to be approved by the building official. In tapping city water mains, a stop box
or a cutoff shall in every case be set on the service pipe, the top of which shall be flush with the
surface of the ground, and at the outer edge of the street sidewalk in front of the premises being
served. Any person removing, destroying or covering over any such stop box shall be subject to a
penalty of not less than twenty five dollars($25.00)nor more than five hundred dollars($500.00)
for each offense plus the city's cost of restoration of the same. The water tap fee includes, but is
not limited to: (1)the actual cost of the equipment plus 20%; (2) city labor for the tapping of the
water line; and (3) city inspection fee. The city billing clerk will maintain the schedule of the
water tap fees.
2. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 3 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-3: SEWER AND WATER TAPS: In every case when any person desires to make
a connection with any water or sewer main of the city, such connection shall be made in the
following manner:
(A) Water Taps: Tap Fees and Installation Procedure for Water Service: The property owner
shall first make written application to the city for tappage and installation of form as provided
by the city. Thereafter, the property owner desiring such connection shall cause all
excavation and preparation for the same to be made at his sole expense and in accordance
with applicable codes. The city will make the actual tap and install the corporation stop in
accordance with the following fee schedule and charge the same to the owner. The owner
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shall supply all copper tubing for the service connection. The owner shall cause all copper
pipe, the curb stop and box, and remaining pipe to the building to be installed at his sole
expense and in accordance with applicable city codes. If tappage involves excavation in a
road right of way, such excavation shall be backfilled with granular fill and to the city's
satisfaction. If a boring is necessary to cross to cross paved streets, such boring shall be done
at the owner's expense and to the city's satisfaction. The city will install the water meter as
soon as construction permits. No water shall be used until the water meter is installed by the
city, except as hereinafter provided. If any water is to be used prior to the installation of the
water meter, charges therefore shall be in accordance with section 8-1-16 of this chapter.
Such fee shall be for a ninety (90) day period, and in all cases, shall be paid in advance of
each such ninety (90) day period. In cases where the building site is already served by a
water tap, the appropriate tap fees shall be charged to the owner. The water tap fees include,
but are not limited to: (1) the actual cost of the equipment plus 20%; (2) city labor for the
tapping of the water line; and (3) city inspection fee. The city billing clerk will maintain the
schedule of the water tap fees. In no case shall the work and installation of lines,tappage and
other associated excavation be backfilled prior to the city's inspection and approval of such
work and tappage.
(B) Sewer Taps; Tap Fees And Installation Procedure For Sewer Service: Sewer tap fees shall
be charged to each property owner desiring sewer service in accordance with the fee schedule
maintained by the city billing clerk. All fees shall be paid in advance. The sewer tap fee will
be determined by the Public Works Director
The property owner shall first make written application to the city for tappage and installation
on forms provided by the city. Thereafter, the property owner desiring such connection shall
cause all excavation and preparation for the same to be made at his sole expense and in
accordance with applicable codes. The property owner shall cause his plumber to make the
actual tap;then a saddle must be used. The saddle must first be approved by the city engineer
or plumbing inspector and then installed to his satisfaction.
The owner shall, at his sole expense, cause all excavation and backfill to be done. If the tap
is made in road right of way, such excavation shall be backfilled with a granular material and
to the city's satisfaction. If a boring is necessary to cross paved streets, such boring, backfill
and patching of pavement shall be done at the owner's sole expense and to the city's
satisfaction. In no case shall the work and installation of lines, tappage, and other associated
excavation be backfilled prior to the city's inspection and approval of such work and tappage.
The city will assist in locating existing city owned sewers; provided, however, that the
property owner requesting tappage and sewer service shall be solely responsible for the cost
of such work and the physical completion of the work.
(C) Water And Sewer Tap Fees Outside The Corporate Limits Of The City: The fees for water
and sewer taps for locations outside the corporate limits of the city shall be double those
described in subsections(A)and(B)of this section.
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3. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 4 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-4: METER INSTALLATION CHARGE: The cost of all meters installed shall be
paid by the consumer in advance,who shall also pay the cost of installing the same.
The cost of replacing all meters, which in the opinion of the proper city officers need replacement, shall
be paid for by the consumer.
All meters before being set in must be tested and approved by the building official. No meter shall be
removed for any purpose from any supply pipe by any person whatsoever, without first obtaining a
written permit from the building official. Anywhere any meter is removed by such consent, it must be
replaced within ten (10)days, and before being replaced it must be tested by the building official
4. That Title 8,Chapter 10, Section 6 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-6: PAYMENT OF BILLS: Said rates or charges for the services shall be payable
on the fifteenth (15th) day of the month following the month of billing. The owner of the premises shall
be liable to the city to pay for the service to such premises provided, however, with the approval of the
city, the said owner may require the tenant to pay therefore, but the primary liability shall not shift from
the owner to the tenant. In addition to the owner, the occupant or the user of the service thereof shall be
secondarily liable to pay for the service to such premises. All bills for service shall be billed no later than
the last day of the billing month and shall be payable no later than the close of business on the fifteenth
(15`h) day thereafter. If payment of the full amount of the bill is made after said fifteenth (15'h) day, a
penalty of twenty percent(20%) of the amount of the bill will be added to the amount of the outstanding
balance.
5. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 8 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-8: DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE:
(A) If the rates or charges for such services are not paid by the fifteenth (15`'') day of the month
following the month of mailing of the bill for such service, such service shall be immediately
discontinued without further notice and shall not be reinstated until all past due bills, including
the penalties thereon,are paid in full.
(B) If city has disconnected water service due to non-payment, there will be a fee of $50.00
which must be paid in advance to have the service reinstated. The outstanding bill must be paid
in full before utilities will be turned back on by city.
6. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 9 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-9 CASHIER TO FILE LIEN: If any bill, including penalties and interest
thereon, is not paid in full within fourteen (14) days following the fifteenth (15`h) day after the month of
mailing of the bill, the cashier may cause a notice of lien to be filed with the recorder of deeds of Fulton
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County, Illinois, and against the premises which received such service, all as provided by Illinois law.
The notice of lien may be filed after the end of the month following the fifteenth (15`h) day after the last
day of the billing month. Such lien shall not be removed until all past due bills, penalties, and interest
thereon,and all actual costs of filing and removing such lien claims are first paid in advance.
7. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 10 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-10: CASHIER TO RENDER BILLS: It is hereby made the duty of the cashier of
the city, or qualified personnel appointed by the mayor, to render bills for service and for all rates and
charges in connection therewith and to collect all monies due thereon.
8. That Title 8,Chapter 10, Section 16 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-16: BUILDERS USING WATER: Whenever builders, brick masons, plasterers or
contractors use the water of the city in and about their work,the same shall be metered and be charged for
at the regular rate. During the winter, whenever builders, brick masons, plasterers or contractors use the
water of the city, they shall pay forty-five dollars ($45.00) for residential construction and one hundred
fifty dollars($150.00)for commercial construction.
9. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 19 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-19: SUPPLY LINES: Hydrants, plugs, stop boxes, service pipes, stopcocks, meters
and related equipment, and all attachments and fixtures connected therewith shall be kept in good repair
and condition by the owner or occupant of the premises upon which they are situated, at their own
expense. It is expressly provided that no claim shall be made or allowed against the city or any of its
officers or employees on account of breaking of said water apparatus, or on account of the stoppage of the
supply of water by reason of accident to the plumbing machinery or mains, or for the necessary alteration
of the same. The building official shall have free access at all times upon the premises of the consumer
for the purpose of reading the meter; or he or they may remove a meter at any time for repair or for testing
its accuracy, and when any meter shall be found to be incorrect in measurement and unfit for further use,
such meter shall be replaced at once by one that is approved by the building official at the expense of the
owner thereof.
Whenever a leak develops in the water system on the property of any person, the building official shall
immediately give notice in writing of the leak to the person owning the property or the person occupying
the same. Then unless said owner or occupant repairs said leak within twenty four (24) hours after
receiving said notice,the city shall have the right to turn off said water if such can reasonably be done. In
the event the water cannot be turned off and said leak is not repaired within twenty four(24) hours after
receiving said notice, the city shall have the right to go upon the property and make said repairs and to
charge the cost of the same to the owner of said property, which said cost shall be added to the water bill
of said owner and shall be collectible in the same manner as the bill for water consumption.
10. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 21 shall be amended to read as follows:
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8-10-21: BUILDING OFFICIAL TO REPAIR: All meters now in use and connected,
and all those hereafter to be placed in connection with the city waterworks system, are hereby declared to
be fixtures, and shall be set and kept in good repair at the expense of the consumer. Any meter found in
need of repair shall be replaced or removed by the city and repaired by the city or a licensed plumber at
the cost of the consumer for the actual cost of repairs and labor.
Whenever it becomes necessary to repair the service pipe between the city main and any meter on account
of leakage, or for other cause, such repair shall be done under the supervision of the building official who
shall be notified of the same, and such pipe shall be replaced in accordance with the provision of this
code,which cost shall be borne by the consumer.
11. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 24 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-24: TAP WATER MAINS:
(A)City Shall Tap Water Mains Before Streets are Paved: In all paving districts, special service
areas, or special assessment districts required to be paved where water mains are laid,the city
shall, as soon as practicable, tap said water mains in front of each building or lot with a five-
eighths inch (5/8") tap, and from such tap lay a connection with a three-fourths inch (3/4")
copper tubing, or red brass pipe towards such building or lot within the curb line at which
place there will be placed a stop box. The said pipe shall be laid as near as practicable of the
same depth as the water main which it connects, and all the dirt taken from the ditches made
to make such taps and lay such pipes shall be tamped back to fit condition for paving, and
shall be done as expeditiously as possible and so as to proceed in advance of the paving
contractors.
(B) Owners May Have Extra Taps Put In: The owners of buildings or lots fronting upon any
street required to be paved,where water mains are laid,may have extra taps put in or an extra
large pipe used by first paying the extra expense caused by such extra taps and pipe, which
costs shall be computed by the building official or meter reader.
(C) Cost of Tapping, Permit: The owners of buildings or lots fronting upon any street where taps
are required to be made before paving such street as provided above, shall pay the actual cost
of the same, with ten percent (10%) annual interest added until such connection is made,
which said sum shall be paid to the cashier of the water department before a permit shall be
issued to connect and use water from said tap, and when said sum is paid, the cashier of the
water department shall issue a permit upon such person complying with the provisions of the
code.
(D)Work Shall Be Done Under the Supervision of the Building Official: All taps and
connections shall be put in under the direction and supervision of the building official, who
shall see that he work is properly done and that all material is of suitable quality for which the
same is used.
(E) Separate Tap For Each Consumer: Every person shall have and maintain a separate and
independent tap or connection with the city water main for each building or premises for
which water is furnished, and no person shall hereafter be permitted to connect his service
pipe with the service pipe of any other consumer, and no such taps or connections heretofore
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made shall be repaired or extended, but whenever the same shall become in need of repairs or
any extension shall be made, such service pipe shall be connected directly with the city main,
in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.
12. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 26 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-26: APPEALS: Any person who disagrees with the methods used or computations
made shall be entitled to a written summary of same within ten (10) days of receipt of a written request
for same. Any disagreement over the methods used or in the computations thereof shall be either
affirmed or remedied within ten (10) days by the superintendent of the water department or the
Community Services Director of the city after a formal written appeal detailing the alleged discrepancies.
13. That Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 27 shall be amended to read as follows:
8-10-27: PENALTY: Any person who shall violate any of the provisions or requirements of this
chapter, or shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply therewith, shall have the water turned off from his
premises, and shall, where no penalty is expressly provided, be subject to a fine of not less than one
hundred dollars($100.00)nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars($750.00)for each offense.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Canton, Illinois and approved by the Mayor
thereof this 8th day of April, 2015, upon a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Aldermen Gerald Ellis,Justin Nelson,Angela Hale, Craig West, Tad
Putrich,David Pickel,Jim Nelson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Alderman John Lovell
Approved:
Jeffrey A. Fritz, Mayor
Attest:
iana Pav ey-Rock, ity Clerk
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UtilityBillingPolicy
City of Canton, Illinois
Adopted: 2/17/2015
City of Canton Utility Billing Policy
General Information
The following policy shall govern the provision of municipal utilities of the City of Canton. The
purpose of this policy is to provide consistent customer rules and guidelines through City
Council direction. The City of Canton reserves the right to change or make exceptions to its
policies at any time, with the approval of the Community Services Director. The City also
reserves the right to adopt new and amended policies when in its sole discretion are deemed
necessary to do so. Individuals who have questions regarding utility service provided by the City
of Canton are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing Customer Service Counter.
Utility Billing Information
The City of Canton Utility Billing Customer Service Counter is located at City Hall, 2 North Main
Street, Canton, IL 61520. The phone number is 309.647.0288. The office hours are Monday
through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding City observed holidays. You may visit our
website at http://www.cantonillinois.org.
Utility Services
Your utility account includes your water and sewer services as well as garbage pickup.
All of these services are provided to residents within the City's corporate limits at rates set by
the City Council. You may not waive any of these services. Customers outside the corporate
City limits may not be eligible for sewer or refuse services.
Active accounts will receive bills for the flat charges as well as consumptions based charges as
found in the City Code. Inactive accounts will still receive invoices consisting of the flat charges
for water, sewer, and garbage. The base fees for each service will be charged regardless of
property occupancy. The property meter will continue to be read and base charges for water
and sewer will be invoiced to the property owner listed on the account. If,for some reason, a
property does not have City water service and the occupants are hauling water, there is still
usage of the City's sewer services. Flat sewer charges will be billed in this instance.
Water services may be turned off and the account will not be charged the base fees for water,
sewer and garbage, if the customer can prove that both the stop box and the meter are fully
functional. In this instance, the customer must make an appointment with a City employee to
verify the stop box is working and can be positioned to off. The functioning stop box may be
checked on an annual basis if the water is off for this period of time. In this case, the meter will
be read. If any usage registers,then account will immediately be put into active status and
invoices will resume for base and consumption charges.
Garbage services are provided by the general government and cannot be waived. Service is
provided to all single unit residential properties. Garbage service is not provided to business
customers. Said customers must solicit private garbage service. Multi-unit properties
(apartment complexes) must have a garbage service per mailing address.
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Invoices
Utility accounts can only be in the property owner's name. Accounts are invoiced monthly.
Included in the utility bill are charges for garbage, sewer and water services, EPA Loan Projects,
and Bond Water and Sewer Projects. Any fees, penalties, or previous balances will also be
included. Sewer and water consumption charges include a flat service rate and a portion based
upon water usage. Each service will be a separate line item on the invoice. Failure to receive a
utility bill does not relieve one of the responsibility for payment or for penalties incurred for late
payment. A penalty of 20%will be incurred if the bill is not paid by the due date printed on the
bill.
Due Dates
All bills for service shall be billed monthly no later than the last day of the month and shall be
payable by the close of business on the 15th day of the month following the month of billing.
Payment
Utility bill payments may be made as follows:
• By mail
• Drop box located outside of City Hall
• Customer Service Counter at Hy-Vee
• Direct debit from a checking or savings account (Forms may be obtained from the
Customer Service Counter in City Hall or through our website)
• Debit/credit card payments may be made over the phone, at City Hall, or via our website
at http://www.cantonillinois.org/when available. Fees may apply.
Payment arrangements are available for customers who are unable to pay their full utility bill;
however, no more than two payment arrangements are allowed within a twelve-month period.
Utility Rates
Utility rates are determined by the City Council. The current rates can be found at
http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book id-431. The rates are included in
Title 8—Public Ways and Property, Chapter 10—Water and Sewer System; Rates, Section 5—
Water and Sewer Rates.
Fees
At the request of the property owner,the water may be turned off at the property for a fee of
$25. The City will not disconnect utilities between tenants unless this fee is paid.
Owners wishing to disconnect service may be required to answer account security questions or
come to the Customer Service Window to request the disconnection to make an appointment.
Owners must be present at the time of shut off to sign off on the services provided.
Disconnection fees due to emergency turnoffs and/or turnoffs required for repairs may be
waived at the City's discretion.
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Turn On Fee/Reconnection Fee -$50
If the City has disconnected water service due to non-payment,there will be a fee of$50 which
must be paid in advance to have the service reinstated. The outstanding bill must be paid in full
before utilities will be turned back on by the city.
Collection Fee—$100
When the City defers debt collection to an outside agency, whether public or private, a $100
delinquent fee will be added to the customer's account. This fee will also be charged if a lien is
filed in Fulton County for outstanding invoices.
NSF Checks-$30
Any person who pays for utility service with a check which is not honored or an Automated
Clearing House payment which is returned because of insufficient funds will be charged a $30
service fee. If the utility user submits two payments, in a twelve-month period, which are
returned for insufficient funds,the utility user will be required to pay with cashier's check or
money order. An account deposit may be required if the customer has a history of multiple NSF
checks.
Overtime Service Fee -$75
Service requests before 7:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on a holiday or
weekend will be charged an overtime service fee.
Meter Replacement/Meter Damage Charges
In the event that a part of a meter or the whole meter needs replaced, the City will charge for
the appropriate pieces. The current replacement costs are the following:
Meter top- $175
Meter bottom -$75
Whole meter device -$250
These costs are based on the City's vendor pricing and may need to be adjusted from time to
time.
Opening New Accounts
Utility accounts must be applied for in person at the Customer Service Counter located in City
Hall, 2 N. Main St., Canton, IL 61520. Those wishing to establish service must complete an
application for said service. The application will include the applicant's name, social security
number or federal identification number (required for business customers), spouse name or
names of other adults living at the residence, billing address, service address, and signature of
the party responsible for payment. Valid photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or
military ID) is required at the time of the application for utility services. Customers requesting
service in a business name must also complete IRS Form W-9.
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City of Canton Utility Billing Policy
Per City ordinance, proof of the right to occupy a residence must be provided prior to starting
new service at a service address. For homeowners, a copy of a closing statement or a warranty
deed can serve as documentation. Any questions regarding this requirement can be answered
at 309.647.0288.
The owner of the premises shall be liable to the City to pay for the service to such premises and
is required to pay the deposit and service fee at the start of service.
Individuals requesting a new account will be checked against the City's records for any
outstanding utility service debt to the City. Any outstanding utility service debt must be paid
along with the deposit and service fee prior to the start of new utility service. No water at the
new location shall be turned on, and if turned on, it will, with proper notification to the
customer, be turned off until settlement of such delinquent water and sewerage service
charges at the former location is made.
Moving
Accounts are not transferrable.
New applications will be required for a new service address. A new proof of the right to occupy
a residence must be provided prior to starting new service at a service address.
A final meter read will be taken at the old service address and a final bill processed. The deposit
will be applied to the final bill. Any amount still owed by the customer is required to be paid
within fifteen (15) days. Any remaining deposit amount will be refunded to the customer. If
the final balance is not paid, the City may use the following collection procedures:
(1) a lien may be filed on the property,
(2) the account may be sent to the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office Local Debt
Recovery Program or outside collection agency, or
(3) the service may be disconnected at applicant's new service address.
Extended Absence from Property
If you are going to be away from your residence for an extended period of time, please contact
Customer Service. Various options are available for your account status to give you peace of
mind while you are away.
Closing Accounts
Utility accounts must be closed in person. A valid photo identification (driver's license, state ID,
or military ID) is required to be presented at the Customer Service Counter, City Hall, 2 North
Main Street, Canton, IL 61520.
Once the City has processed the request to close the account, a final meter read will be taken
and a final bill processed. The deposit will be applied to the final bill.Any amount still owed by
the customer is required to be paid within 15 days. Any remaining deposit amount will be
refunded to the customer.
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City of Canton Utility Billing Policy
Per Illinois state statute, the property owner is ultimately responsible for payment of the water
service, even if they have chosen to rent the property. The City of Canton has chosen to only
allow utility accounts in the property owner's name. Readouts may be requested between
renters so property owners can manage water usage between occupants.
Adjustments
Any adjustments to utility bills shall be set through policy developed by the City Council.
Requested adjustments will be initiated through the Customer Service Counter at City Hall and
will be approved by the Community Services Director or his/her designee before an adjustment
is made to the utility account.
The City of Canton does not provide adjustments on the utility bill for any leaks.
Payment Arrangements
If you are unable to pay your utility bill by the due date, call the Customer Service Counter at
309.647.0288 prior to the due date. For outstanding invoices consisting of more than two
months of water, sewer, and garbage service or any repairs, a payment arrangement must be
signed. The specific terms of payment arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis, but
generally consist of a percentage down payment and additional payments over a six month
period.
Failure to make the payments will result in disconnection of service. All prior utility bills and
reconnection fees must be paid before service is reinstated. The $50 turn on fee will apply.
Reinstatement to a payment arrangement will only occur one time within a twelve-month
period.
Monetary Assistance
If a customer wishes to seek assistance with their bill payment, they may contact Love, Inc. or
the Canton Township Office. These offices require forms to be completed and additional
information on the customer's financial situation be disclosed before assistance is granted.
Customers must contact these separate agencies on their own. This program is NOT affiliated
with the City of Canton in any way and does not exempt the customer from financial liability.
Late Payments & Penalties
Utility bill payments are due on the 151h day of the month. If no payment is made, a 20%
penalty will be assessed and the account is immediately subject for shut off.
At this time, if it is found that the water cannot be shut off, the property occupant and the
property owner will receive notice of such. Thirty(30) days will be given to make the property
repairs.
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If the proper repairs are made within the 30-day time frame, the Water Department will verify
proper working order of the stop box. An appointment must be made as the owner must be
present to verify the equipment check.
Failure to make such repairs within 30 days is considered a City ordinance violation and will be
treated as such. The City will issue an ordinance violation ticket and due process will take place.
Throughout this process,the City may contract the stop box repairs and the charges will be
added to the active utility account.
Upon receipt of outstanding bill payments, water services will be reconnected within three
days. All prior utility bills and reconnection fees must be paid before service is reinstated. The
$50 turn on fee will apply.
Accounts maintaining a delinquent balance with no utility service will be closed seven days
after the due date of the bill. The deposit (if applicable) will be applied to the final bill. Any
amount still owed by the customer is required to be paid within 15 days. If the final balance is
not paid in that time,the City will make appropriate collection efforts. The possible actions are
the following: a lien may be filed on the property,the account will be sent to the State of
Illinois Comptroller's Office Local Debt Recovery Program in the amount of the balance, or the
account will be turned over to an outside collection agency. In any of these cases, the $100
collection fee will be charged to the account.
Reestablishment of utilities by the disconnected customer at the same or another utility
address shall be treated as a new account, and all penalties and fees from the closed account as
well as the deposit and connection fees for the new account must be paid prior to the
connection of the new utilities.
Collection Efforts
If the utility bill and penalty are not paid in full within seven days, the City has three options for
collection. In some instances, the City may file a lien with the Fulton County Clerk and Recorder
of Deeds against the service address that received the utility services, as provided by Illinois law.
The notice of lien shall be filed no later than the end of the month and will not be eligible for
release until the lien has been paid. Once the lien is satisfied,you will receive a letter with the
necessary information to record the Release of Lien. This information must be forwarded on
the County Clerk and Recorder's office at 100 North Main Street, Lewistown, IL 61542. The
customer is responsible for the fee associated with the filing of the Release of Lien. This fee is
set by the Fulton County Recorder of Deeds.
The City will update the file kept with the State of Illinois Office of the Comptroller's Local Debt
Recovery Program that actively collects on outstanding water and sewer debt. The file shall not
be removed until all past due bills, penalties, and fees have been paid. The State of Illinois
Office of the Comptroller's Local Debt Recovery Program withholds your outstanding utility bill
from your state tax refund, state paycheck or state lottery winnings. The State of Illinois also
withholds a fee charged by the State to help cover their costs.
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City of Canton Utility Billing Policy
The City may also choose to contract with an outside collection agency in an effort to collect on
outstanding utility bills. When this occurs, information about the customer and their
outstanding invoice will be turned over to the collection agency so they may collect the
amounts due on the City's behalf.
Any attempt made by the City to collect outstanding amounts will cost the utility account holder
an additional $100.00 in collection fees. This includes City provided collection efforts through
liens and the local debt recovery program, as well as efforts to collect through an outside
collection agency.
Bankruptcy
In the case of a bankruptcy, a court order showing the discharge of City debt must be presented
at the Utility Billing Customer Service Counter for the balance to be removed. Charges may
occur throughout the bankruptcy process until we have notification through the court system
that debts have been discharged.
Disputed Utility Bills
Any dispute regarding a customer's utility bill shall be directed to the Utility Billing Customer
Service Counter for resolution within thirty(30) calendar days of the mailing date of the bill or
notice in question. The customer must make a written request which will then be forwarded to
the Community Services Director for review. In some cases, the request maybe forwarded to
the City Council for review. City Council determinations on disputes will be considered final.
Failure of Meter
The owner of premises where a meter and meter interface unit or remote reader is installed
shall be responsible for its care and protection. If an account has a zero reading for more than
three (3) consecutive bills, the property owner will be notified of the need for an inspection.
The customer will receive notice by mail if equipment is in need of inspection. If an account has
received two consecutive notices, the service will be disconnected until the completion of the
inspection. In all cases where meters are broken or damaged, necessary repairs will be made by
the City and the cost charged to the property owner.
If upon inspection, it is discovered that water was used during this time, an average
consumption bill will be generated using the average of the last six months of service or the
length of the service (if shorter than six months). The customer will be also be charged for
damages to the meter, device or other equipment controlling or regulating the supply of any
municipal utility service.
Supply Pipes
Hydrants, plugs, stop boxes, service pipes, stopcocks, and all attachments and fixtures
connected are to be kept in good repair and condition by the owner or occupant of the service
address at their own expense. The City shall have reasonable access upon the premises for the
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City of Canton Utility Billing Policy
purpose of reading the meter. The City may also remove a meter at any time for repair or
testing of the meter's accuracy.
Supply pipes must be kept in a manner that allows for the safety of City employees. The City
may refuse to make repairs in the instance the City deems the property unsafe for entry.
When a leak occurs, written notice shall be given to the owner of the property or the person
occupying the property. Unless said person has made repairs within 24 hours of receiving said
notice, the City shall have the right to turn off the water if such can reasonably be done. If the
water cannot be turned off and the leak is not repaired within 24 hours after receiving notice,
the City has the right to go on the property and make the repairs or to hire a licensed plumber
to complete the repairs and charge the cost of the repairs to the property owner. The charges
will be added to the utility bill of the service address and will be collected in the same manner
as water consumption.
These repairs are subject to the prevailing wage rate as determined by the Illinois Department
of Labor. This means that the contractors shall conform to all State of Illinois statutory
requirements regarding labor, including, but not limited to, the following section of the Illinois
Prevailing Wage Act:
1. This contract calls for the construction of a "public work," within the meaning of the
Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/.01 etseq. ("the Act"). The Act requires
contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers, and mechanics performing
services on public works projects no less than the "prevailing rate of wages" (hourly cash
wages plus fringe benefits) in the county where the work is performed. For information
regarding current prevailing wage rates, please refer to the Illinois Department of
Labor's website at http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/rates/rates.HTM. All contractors
and subcontractors rendering services under this contract must comply with all
requirements of the Act, including but not limited to, all wage, notice and record keeping
duties.
In the event that a property has multiple meters but only one water service line, the property
owner will be liable for all bills pertaining to the address/addresses.
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