The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

“Consumer” means any person or entity whose premises is connected to the system, and any person or entity who is applying to have a premises connected or reconnected to the system. The term customer when used in this chapter, also refers to a consumer.

“Delinquency” means failure to pay for water and sewer service by the due date.

“Premises” means any separately leased or separately owned part of a structure.

“Residential tenant” means a consumer who is leasing a premises for residential occupancy.

“System” means the water and sewer system of the city.

(Ord. No. 2012-3031, §§ 1, 2, 3-7-2012)

(a)   Connection fee. Any consumer who applies for and is allowed to connect a premises to the system shall pay a fee of $20.00. Any consumer who discontinues service at a premises and applies for and is allowed to connect to the system at a different premises shall pay a fee of $20.00. All connection fees shall be added to the first utility bill for the account.

(b)   Deposit. When a residential tenant requests connection of water service to a premises, the residential tenant shall pay a deposit in the amount of $100.00. The deposit must be paid in full before service is provided. The deposit shall be held and accounted for as required by K.S.A. 12-822 and any amendments thereto. At such time as the consumer has completed 12 consecutive months of payment for water and sewer service without delinquency, the deposit and any accrued interest shall be refunded to the consumer. If a consumer who has had a deposit refunded discontinues service at a premises and applies for and is allowed to connect to the system at a different premises, no deposit will be required. No deposit shall be required for connection of water service requested by the owner thereof, or for connection of water service to any premises not occupied as a residence.

(c)   Responsibility for payment. All charges for water service shall be the responsibility of the consumer who requested the service.

(d)   Temporary disconnection and reconnection. A consumer may have water service temporarily disconnected and reconnected once in any 12-month period without charge. Minimum water and sewer fees will continue to be payable during any such temporary disconnection.

(Ord. No. 2012-3031, §§ 1, 2, 3-7-2012)