The Easiest Ways to Pay Your Public Works and Utility Bills

It is very important to pay your utility and public works bills on time every month. But the process can be hard to understand because there are many payment options, due dates, and fees to keep track of. Here are the easiest ways to pay your utility and public works bills, so you don’t have to worry about being late or losing service.

Understanding Your Public Works and Utility Bills

Your public works and utilities bills typically include charges for water, sewer, garbage collection, and sometimes gas and electricity. The bills arrive monthly and indicate the charges for your usage along with any additional fees.

The entity that provides these services and mails your bills can vary

• People who live in Houston, Wichita, or Orem get their public works and utilities bills straight from their city’s public works department.

• In other areas, you may receive separate bills from private companies for water, gas, electric, etc.

• Some apartments or associations include utilities in rent/HOA fees.

Regardless of the source, these bills need to be paid by the due date to avoid penalties. Due dates are usually within 20-30 days of the bill date.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

The easiest way to pay your bills is to enroll in auto-pay so the payments are made automatically each month. Here’s how to do this:

• Check your bill or public works website. Look for information on how to enroll in auto-pay or recurring payments. Many cities like Houston, Wichita, and Orem allow you to sign up directly through their online portals.

• Provide account & payment info. You’ll need to input your account number, the type of account (checking or savings), and the full account number. Double check this information is correct.

• Pick a payment date. Choose a date each month for the payments to be taken out, typically 3-5 days before the due date.

• Review terms. Review the auto-pay terms to learn about any fees and when you can stop.

• Confirm enrollment. Double check that auto-pay is active by reviewing your next bill.

Setting up auto-pay takes the hassle out of remembering due dates and mailing payments. Just be sure to review your bills for accuracy and maintain sufficient funds in your auto-pay account.

Paying Online Through City Portals

For one-time or occasional payments, most city public works departments let you use their websites to make them:

• Houston – Make payments at www.houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov. You can pay by e-check without any fees.

• Wichita – Pay at www.wichita.gov/1007/Make-a-Payment. Pay by credit/debit card or e-check.

• Orem – Pay at orem.gov/paybills. You’ll need your account number to login.

Paying through the city website is fast and secure. Be aware that paying by credit or debit card often incurs extra convenience fees around 3-5%. Paying by e-check from your bank account directly is fee-free.

Paying by Phone

If you prefer to speak to a representative, most public works departments allow payment by phone:

• Locate the phone number – Check your bill or the city website for the dedicated utility billing phone number.

• Call during business hours – Payment centers have limited hours like M-F 7am-7pm. Avoid long hold times on Mondays.

• Provide account information – Have your account number ready to input into the automated system.

• Choose a payment method – Select to pay by credit/debit card, e-check, or add to your monthly bill.

• Record confirmation number – When the payment processes, write down the confirmation number for your records.

Paying by phone allows you to ask questions and receive personal assistance. Just be prepared for phone menus and potential wait times.

Paying by Mail

If you prefer not to pay online or by phone, you can mail in a physical check or money order:

• Have your bill ready – Make sure you are paying the current amount due as listed on your bill. Tear off the payment slip portion to include.

• Make check payable to city – Write the check out to the city name, like “City of Houston” or “City of Orem”.

• Include payment stub – Place the payment slip portion of your bill in the envelope with your check.

• Mail early – Send your payment at least 7-10 days before the due date to ensure it’s received on time.

• Get proof of payment – Consider sending by certified mail or requesting delivery confirmation to have proof it was received.

Mailing a paper check gives you a physical payment record. Just account for mail transit times to avoid late fees.

Paying in Person

Some public works departments allow walk-in payments at select locations:

• Find payment locations – Check your bill or city website for designated walk-in payment centers and hours. Locations are limited.

• Bring ID and payment – Have a valid photo ID and check, money order, or debit/credit card ready for payment.

• Get receipt – Collect your paid receipt as proof of payment in case issues arise.

• Avoid cash – Most locations do not accept cash due to security reasons. Use check, money order, or card instead.

In-person payments allow immediate confirmation. But this option requires traveling to specific payment centers during open hours.

Avoiding Late Fees

To avoid late fees on your public works and utility bills:

• Mark due dates – As soon as you receive it, put the due date on your calendar and set reminders.

• Pay early – Don’t wait until the due date. Submit payment several days before, especially if mailing.

• Look for late notices – Carefully review any bill notices indicating previous balances due or late/missing payments.

• Call with issues – If your payment will be late for any reason, call ahead to see if an extension can be granted.

• Set up alerts – See if your city or provider allows text or email alerts for due dates and past due notifications.

Staying on top of due dates and communicating any issues early is key to avoiding penalties. Automating payments is the simplest way to ensure on-time payments.

Requesting Account Changes

If you need to update your public works account for any reason, here are tips for smooth requests:

• Close your account – If moving, initiate a final bill and service disconnection. Make sure any balance is paid.

• Open a new account – To start service at a new address, contact the city utility department right away to establish service.

• Update contact information – Keep your name, phone, email, and mailing address updated on your account.

• Change payment method – You can enroll, update, or cancel auto-pay and paperless billing at any time.

• Lower/raise your bill – Request waste container size changes or water allowance adjustments if needed.

• Ask about assistance – Inquire about possible discounts or payment assistance programs if facing financial hardship.

Keeping your account information current will help ensure accurate, on-time billing and prevent disruptions.

Emergency Tips for Non-Payment

If you are unable to pay your bill on time, take proactive steps:

• Call right away – Contact the city utility department as soon as possible to explain hardship and request an extension.

• Inquire about help – Ask what local charity assistance or special programs are available for utility bills.

• Avoid shut offs – Negotiate a payment plan or make partial payments to show good faith effort and prevent shut offs.

• Prioritize water – If facing complete shut offs, request water remain connected for health and sanitation.

• Stay in communication – Respond promptly to late notices and keep the utility provider updated on your situation.

With early intervention and open communication, you can often avoid significant service disruptions when facing temporary financial struggles.

Having reliable public utilities like water, sewer, and garbage requires properly paying your bills each month. By automating payments, carefully tracking due dates, and keeping your accounts updated, you can easily stay on top of your public works and utility bills. Leverage available online, phone, mail, or in-person payment options to find the methods that work best for you and avoid the stress of late fees. Your public works department and utility providers can also assist if special account changes or payment arrangements are ever needed. Paying these essential bills on time contributes to well-run city infrastructure and services that improve our overall health and quality of life.