§ 90-6. Utility service deposits.

(a)

The owner, tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land who is obligated to pay the utilities service charges shall, prior to a connection with the water or sewer system from such lot or parcel, make a deposit with the treasury manager of an amount not less than the amount which the public utilities department shall estimate as the total of the combined utilities bills to be paid by such owner, tenant or occupant in the next ensuing three months to ensure the payment of such service bills as the bills become due and payable; however a minimum deposit shall be established by resolution of the city commission for both residential and commercial service. Such deposit shall be subject to application by the treasury manager to the payment of such service charges if and when delinquent. If such service charges shall not be made and maintained, the public utilities director shall discontinue furnishing utilities services to such premises.

(b)

Deposits shall be returned to the depositor in accordance with deposit refund policies established by the city commission. Interest shall be paid on the deposit amount as established by resolution of the city commission. The city shall deduct from the return of deposits any amounts owed the city for the utilities services. If the deposit is insufficient, the city shall proceed to collect the balance due according to law.

(Code 1979, § 31-6; Ord. No. 3774-04, § 1, 9-13-2004)