Phoenix reconnected all disconnected water lines and suspended future shut-offs on March 12. He said the city will offer customers who are unable to pay their bills in full "flexible solutions," including extended payment plans and waived late fees.Ĭustomers experiencing difficulties in paying can contact the city at 48. That's about 100 more delinquent accounts than the same time last year, Hafen said. On March 15, when the city announced it would halt shut-offs, there were 5,005 delinquent accounts, 180 of which received disconnect notices.Īs of March 31, there were 5,304 delinquent accounts and 424 accounts that would have been subject to disconnection of water service. AvondaleĬhandler has suspended water disconnects because of COVID-19, but the city is still encouraging customers to continue making full or partial payments to prevent massive bills later on.Ĭhandler considers a customer delinquent after nonpayment of two bills, but does not send a disconnect notice until the outstanding balance totals $400 or more, Chandler Utility Services Manager Jason Hafen said. Here's how each city is preparing to recoup funds, while still trying to lessen the burden on customers who are facing job losses and other harsh economic realities brought on by COVID-19. The cities stand to lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue needed to assure Phoenix-area residents continue to have clean drinking water. Many cities are trying to level with customers by working out payment plans now so they don't get sticker shock later, while at the same time trying to assure they do eventually get paid. That could mean struggling residents would have to come up with $500 or more in back payments on water later this year. And someday, the city will ask them to pay up. The top recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the coronavirus is hand washing, which can't be done if water stops flowing to households.īut cities aren't providing water to delinquent customers for free - their bills are still accumulating. It's a public health necessity, city leader say. The $70.00 reconnection fee is paid in advance of turning water services back on.Almost all Phoenix-area cities have decided not to shut off water service during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if customers aren't paying their bills. Services will be restored when the total balance and the reconnection fee has been paid in full. Your balance or past due balance must be paid by the 20th of the month or your water service will be disconnected without further notice. Disconnected Water Service for Delinquency On the 21st day you will automatically be charged a late fee of $10.00 There is no grace period. Water bills are due when received and if not paid by the 20th of the month, they are delinquent. by the required date to avoid having your service disconnected. Payments will need to be made in person at City Hall located at 220 N. In addition to the amount due, a $25.00 returned check fee will also be required. If your bank returns your check for non-sufficient funds, you will need to remit payment in the form of cash, cashier’s check, money order or credit card*. Pay by mail (DO NOT MAIL delinquent payments: bring them into City Hall to avoid service being discontinued and additional late fees.) Payment Typesĭiscover, MasterCard, VISA, Debit Card with the VISA or MasterCard logo, American Express, or E-check. (DO NOT drop delinquent payments in the depositories, they will not be received in time to avoid service shut-off and penalties.) The approved depository is located in front of City Hall. Drop off current payment at approved depository. Pay in person at City Hall, located at 220 N. It is the customer’s responsibility to keep this information updated prior to the due date. As the program automatically withdraws the amount, customers who use direct payment need to plan for the amount of the bill to be different each month and also for a higher bill for the summer months. Note: Water bills do vary seasonally and generally go up in the summer months or due to changes in the fees charged. You can also sign up for email notifications alerting you when you have a new bill or past due balance. If you choose this method of payment, you can access your bill here and register your account to make a one-time payment, schedule future payments, and set up a credit or debit card for reoccurring payments. Automatic payment withdraws the amount due on your monthly water bill from your credit or debit card each month.
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