§ 12-4. Utility deposits.

Any person, firm or corporation hereafter desiring utility service and subscribing to refuse collection service shall deposit with the city as a guarantee of payment for such services, the following amounts as may be applicable:

(1)

Residential service: $65.00 per living unit or the average of two months charges for all residential customers within the city as determined by the city secretary, whichever is higher.

(2)

Commercial and industrial service - An amount equal to an average two months charges of like or similar customer(s) for each business operation and as determined by the city secretary. However, in the event such service increases to a point where such deposit is not equal to the charges for an average two months period, then the city secretary may require the deposit to be increased to conform thereto.

Commercial and/or industrial customer whose deposit is calculated to be $500.00 or larger may elect to place a surety bond with the city in lieu of a cash bond, provided, the surety company is authorized to do business in Kaufman County, Texas. An assignment of a savings account may be made in lieu of a cash or surety deposit.

Utility deposits shall be refunded only when a customer discontinues services and after deducting any unpaid balances due to the city.

When and if it becomes necessary to discontinue services to any customer because of non-payment of his or her utility bill, the city secretary may require an additional deposit of $65.00 or the average of two months charges for all residential customers within the city. Also, when and if a customer or any member of his or her household leaves any unpaid balance due to the city for any such services, then all unpaid bills on the customer's or household member's previous accounts must be paid and a new deposit up to an average of three months bill be deposited with the city before any such services are to be provided.

(Ord. No. 1272, 6-8-82; Ord. No. 2229, § I, 8-3-04; Ord. No. 2258, Art. I, 2-15-05)