Collection Policy

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All customers and potential customers of one or more of the Utility Services provided by the Department of Public Utilities of the City of Orrville, Ohio, shall be subject to the provisions of this policy

COLLECTION PROCEDURE FOR DELINQUENT FINAL BILLS

These procedures apply after a customer has notified us to terminate their service and final bills have been processed, or after a customer has been disconnected for nonpayment (skip-out) and final bills have been processed.

  1. Send original final bill.

    This bill, which also includes any arrears which have not yet been paid, and which shows the deduction of the deposit if there was one, is mailed out at the end of the month with the regular monthly bills. It is sent to the forwarding address given to us by the customer, or marked "please forward" if no address is known.

  2. The next steps vary, depending on the circumstances of the bill.

    1. If the bill remains unpaid and a co-signer exists.

      1. At the end of the next month (after one collection period and approximately 30 days have passed) send the so-signer a copy of the bill and a short note mentioning their responsibility for payment.

      2. After an additional 30 days, contact the co-signer if possible by telephone. Keep a record of the date and any other information.

      3. If the preceding steps get no results, a decision must be made to place the bill in the suspension file or to pursue further legal action against the original customer.

    2. If the bill remains unpaid and no co-signer exists.

      1. At the end of the next month ( after one collection period and approximately 30 days have passed) send another copy of the bill and a letter giving them a 30 day limit. To make payment. This letter mentions the possibility of legal action.

      2. After the 30 days expires, contact the person by phone, if possible. Keep a record of the date any other information.

      3. If the preceding steps get no results, a decision must be made to place the bill in the suspension file or to pursue further legal action.

      Keep copies of all correspondence and other pertinent information concerning delinquent bill collections