Utility Billing Customer Service manages the City of Franklin’s utility service account activities which include residential and business electric customers, water and sewer accounts and solid waste customers. The customer service division handles all requests for new service, discontinuance of service and all billing inquiries. Payments are made to the City’s Treasurer’s Office.
We are here to help. If you have questions regarding your utility service, bill or payments, please contact us.
In order to establish new service an application must be filled out and submitted in person to the Utility Billing Office. (Please note applications are not accepted by telephone). A picture ID must be presented before an application can be approved. A deposit is required on all new accounts unless a written statement reflecting good credit experience is received from a previous utility.
Paying bills is a necessary but often tedious task. Thankfully, the City of Franklin offers easy and convenient ways for residents to pay their utility bills online or in person. In this article, we’ll look at the various bill pay options available in Franklin and break down the pros and cons of each method.
Online Bill Pay
For many people, paying bills online is the preferred method – it’s fast, secure, and you can do it anytime from anywhere. The City of Franklin offers online bill payment through their website for utility bills.
To pay your bill online, go to the City of Franklin’s website and click on “Pay Your Utility Bill Online.” You’ll need to enter your account number and 4-digit PIN found on your monthly bill. The online payment portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and e-checks.
Paying online is free if using a credit/debit card or e-check You’ll receive a confirmation email after the transaction is completed The payment will be applied to your account immediately.
Pros
- Fast and convenient
- Make payments 24/7
- Receive instant confirmation
- Card payments processed immediately
Cons
- Need account number and PIN
- Transaction fees apply to card payments
Pay by Phone
The City of Franklin offers a pay-by-phone option that allows you to pay your utility bill over the phone using a credit/debit card or electronic check.
To pay by phone, call the Treasurer’s Office at 757-562-8575 during business hours. You’ll need to provide your account number, service address, card number, expiration date, and security code.
There is no fee for paying by e-check over the phone. Credit and debit card payments incur a transaction fee of 2.45% of the payment amount. Payments made by 5pm on a business day are applied to accounts the same day.
Pros:
- Make payments easily without logging into website
- Free for e-check payments
- Get live assistance if needed
Cons:
- Only available during business hours
- Transaction fees apply to card payments
Pay by Mail
Paying utility bills by mail is a simple option for those who prefer payments the old-fashioned way.
To pay by mail, write your account number on the check or money order and mail it in the return envelope provided with your monthly bill. Be sure to include the payment stub from your bill.
Mail payments to:
City of Franklin
Attn: Treasurer’s Office
207 W 2nd Ave
Franklin, VA 23851
Pros:
- Simple, familiar payment method
- No extra fees
Cons:
- Can take 5-7 days to process
- Risk of lost/delayed mail
- No payment confirmation
Pay in Person
For those who live or work near Franklin City Hall, paying utility bills in person may be the most convenient option.
In-person payments can be made at:
City of Franklin City Hall
207 W 2nd Ave
Franklin, VA 23851
Cash, check, money order and credit/debit cards are accepted. Be sure to bring your bill with you. In-person payments have the advantage of getting a printed receipt right away.
City Hall hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Pros:
- Get printed receipt immediately
- Accepts multiple payment types
- Can get assistance with billing questions
Cons:
- Limited to City Hall business hours
- May involve wait times
Auto-Pay and Budget Billing
For maximum convenience, the City of Franklin offers auto-pay and budget billing options.
With auto-pay, the amount due is deducted from your bank account each month so you don’t have to remember to pay. Sign up for auto-pay using the authorization form on the city website.
Budget billing lets you pay a fixed amount each month based on your past annual usage. It helps avoid seasonal spikes in your utility bills. Customers must have 12 months of billing history to qualify for budget billing.
Pros:
- Auto-pay ensures bills are always paid on time
- Budget billing gives predictable payments
Cons:
- Auto-pay gives less control over payment dates
- Budget amount may need periodic adjustment
Assistance for Low-Income Residents
The City of Franklin partners with local organizations to provide financial assistance for utility bills to qualifying low-income residents. Programs include:
-
Fuel and Heating Assistance – Helps pay for winter heating bills
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Cooling Assistance – Helps pay summer cooling bills
To find out if you qualify for assistance, contact the Franklin Department of Social Services at 757-562-8575.
Choosing the Right Payment Method
All of the bill payment options offered by the City of Franklin provide easy and secure ways to pay your utility bills. Choosing the right method comes down to personal preference and convenience.
Paying online is the best option for tech-savvy users who value speed and convenience. Pay by mail or in person works well for those who prefer traditional payment methods. Auto-pay and budget billing offer effortless options for frequent bill payers. And assistance programs help make bills affordable for qualified residents.
No matter which way you choose to pay, the City of Franklin aims to make the process fast, easy and hassle-free. Reach out to the utility billing department if you have any questions or need help getting signed up for automatic payments or budget billing.
Payment Options – Utility Bills
- Pay in Person at the Treasurer’s Office located at Franklin City Hall, 207 West 2nd Avenue, Franklin, VA. For faster service, bring a copy of your bill.
- Payment by mail should be sent to Franklin City Treasurer, 207 West 2nd Avenue, Franklin, VA 23851. Be sure to include your remittance slip.
- A night deposit box is located in parking lot adjacent to Franklin City Hall (rear). Please do not deposit cash. Include your account number on your check or money order. This is picked up daily by 8 AM, except for holidays.
- For your convenience you may pay your account using the online payment portal by going to www.franklinva.com and following the required steps. You will need your account number and the WIPP (Pin) number provided on your Utility Bill.
The Franklin Department of Social Services accepts applications for Energy Assistance Programs. Fuel and Cooling Assistance is available for eligible customers. For more information or to determine if you qualify for these programs, contact the Franklin Department of Social Services at 757-562-8529.
When a utility service is disconnected for nonpayment of a past due utility bill, all amounts due and must be paid in addition to the reconnect fee before a utility service is restored in addition to the reconnection fee. No personal checks will be accepted.
Equal Payment (Budget Plan) – Electric Charges Only
The Budget Plan takes the seasonal peaks and valleys out of your monthly utility payments. Utility Billing Customer Service calculates your budget amount based on your last 12 months billing. You pay this amount for one year, regardless of the seasonal ups and downs.
Each year your account is reviewed to determine if the monthly payment amount should be adjusted. You can budget for the whole year by paying the same amount each month and there is no cost to enroll for eligible customers.
Information about Online Bill Pay for City Utilities
What payment methods does the city of Franklin offer?
The City of Franklin offers a variety of payment methods for utility payments. *Payments remitted by mail are processed the day received. Please allow ample time for delivery to avoid a late charge.
How do I Pay my City Hall Bill?
City Hall is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. You may pay your bill in person between those hours. You may also pay by mail, drop box or online. See below. Use the pre-addressed envelope enclosed with your bill to mail payment to our lockbox processing location. There is no envelope enclosure if you are a bank draft customer.
What does the city of Franklin Department of public works do?
The Department of Public Works for the City of Franklin is a dynamic and varied group that manages and provides many services to the people of Franklin every day. Some of these services protect the health and safety of Franklin residents and visitors and make the city clean, safe, and nice to live in or visit.
Who is Franklin Municipal Power & Light?
Franklin Municipal Power and Light has been around since 1892 and provides reliable, low-cost energy and energy-related services to Franklin and the nearby areas. The Department of Public Works for the City of Franklin is a dynamic and varied group that provides a wide range of services to Franklin residents every day.
Does Franklin accept energy assistance programs?
The Franklin Department of Social Services accepts applications for Energy Assistance Programs. Fuel and Cooling Assistance is available for eligible customers. Call the Franklin Department of Social Services at 757-562-8529 for more information or to find out if you are eligible for these programs.
How do I pay property taxes in Williamson County?
Customers may pay by mail or drop box with check, money order, or cashier’s check. Credit Card payments are accepted online or by phone. Should a payment be dishonored, then the customer is subject to additional fees in accordance with State law. Property taxes are billed and collected by the Williamson County Trustee.
