Collections

Delinquent Bill

A great number of our customers pay for their services on time. Customers who don't pay on or before the date specified on their bill will become delinquent and assessed a late charge of 1 1/2 percent on any unpaid balance per month. When a customer finds it difficult to pay a bill there are several options open depending on the need. Customer Services may:

  • Extend the payment until a later date - if service is not already scheduled for interruption
  • Sign a short-term Installment Payment Plan
  • Suggest outside agency Charitable Assistance Agencies

All agreed upon arrangements must be written and signed at the 5 East Reed Street office.

Disconnection Policy

If a delinquent amount is not paid, or if satisfactory arrangements are not made, or the customer fails to keep their side of the agreement, or an attempt to defraud, the City is not obligated to renew or make another agreement on the same debt , service will be disconnected.

**** Disconnection of service without prior notice may occur immediately for the following reasons:

  • Return check
  • Nonpayment of utility bills, or special agreement, or security deposit
  • Tampering
  • Violation of City Code or Ordinance
  • Fraudulently obtains service

If your service is either scheduled to be disconnected or actually has been disconnected, the entire balance and a service fee must be paid to continue service .

  • Any customer who has been disconnected two times within a 12 month period may be required to post a sufficient security deposit in order to have service restored.

    For more information on Service Fees

Collection Policy

To pay additional charges equal to the cost of collection including agency fees, attorney's fees, and court costs if this or any other account held with the City is placed in the hands of any agency or attorney for collection or legal action because of default in payment of any amount due. The City may report information regarding payment history and account status to credit bureaus, any other purpose deemed necessary to provide and seek payment of services.

  • City services may be withheld or disconnected if prior indebtedness to the City for any services has not been paid in full.

  • Failure to receive a bill from the city for such services provided by the City shall not diminish obligation for payment of prior indebtedness.

Municipal Liens

Water /Wastewater /Trash Liens

An outstanding water, wastewater and/or trash service bill becomes a lien against property, water and/or trash billings are ultimately the responsibility of the property owner regardless of the arrangements made between the property owner and the tenant.

Vacant Building Ordinance

On June 26th, 2006, the Dover City Council adopted the Vacant Building Ordinance to reduce the negative impact that vacant buildings have on the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods. For additional information on registration, exemptions, and fees assessed contact the Inspections & Planning office

Contact Customer Services at 302-736-7035 for additional property lien information.


DISCLAIMER: The information is prepared for you as a general guide to our utility policy. Please understand that it does not cover all circumstances and that it might not include specific details on a subject which interests you. If you have questions that are not covered here or want information on any subject, please give us a call. We are here to serve you!