Utility Non-Payment Policy and Procedures

It is the City of St. Charles’ policy to collect utility bills on the 15th of each month.  If the utility bill is not paid by the 15th, a second notice with a 10% penalty added on is then sent out giving the resident up to an additional 10 days to pay the bill in full.  If the bill is not paid in full 10 days after the mailing date of the second notice, a red tag is hung on the door and the City will send out a public works employee to pull the electric meter and water service will be shut-off. 

In order for a resident to have their utility service restored, they must pay a $50.00 reconnect fee plus their past due amount or enter into a satisfactory payment arrangement.  (See below)

If a resident is unable to pay their bill in full, the City can, at their discretion, enter into a payment arrangement with the resident.  This arrangement will be for no less than 20% of the outstanding bill not to exceed five months in duration.  This agreement is only valid as long as the current charges are paid in full by the 15th of each month, and no payments are missed according to the payment agreement.  If these two conditions are not met, the residents meter will be pulled immediately and water will be shut off.

The City of St. Charles follows Minnesota State Statute on the Cold Weather Rule between the dates of October 15th and April 15th of each year.     

Effective:  June 2005

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Check Policy

It is the policy of the City of St. Charles to not accept check payment from a customer after two Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) returns have been issued to the City within one calendar year. The NSF fee for the City is $25.00 and this fee will be collected at the time the customer reimburses the City for the NSF check.

Customers should be aware that vendors with whom the City contracts with for electronic/automated banking services charge an additional NSF fee.  In addition, either the customer’s lending institution or the lending institution where the City submits check payments for depositing may charge an additional NSF fee.

After a second Non-Sufficient Funds check is returned from the bank, the City will request in writing that this check and all further payments be paid with either cash, cashier’s check or money order only.  This payment status will remain in effect for 1 year from the date of the second non-sufficient funds issuance.

Effective:  January 26, 2021