In February 2011 Milwaukie Finance made the transition to monthly utility billing pursuant to feedback received from citizens wishing to better manage their monthly budgets. Listed below are some of the most common questions Finance is receiving regarding this change. If you have additional questions, or would like some clarification, please email utility billing or call (503) 786-7525.
Q. Was there a rate increase associated with moving to monthly billing?
A. No. The rates are the same as they were when the City was billing every two months.
Q. Why isn’t my January consumption half of my December consumption? Shouldn’t my bill be half of what I typically pay?
A. The actual dates your water meter was read in December and January was not 30 days apart, but was more in the range of 40 to 45 days. Therefore, the water charge for service used in the February bill may have been higher than what your typical monthly bill will be for. However, moving forward, the meter reading date and billing period will closely reflect a month’s time so, if consumption is similar, your next bill will look more like half of what you were paying in your bimonthly bills.
Q. I understand the City has now switched to monthly billing, what I don't understand is that I just paid for 2 months in January and am now getting billed a month later for February. Why?
A. The payment you made in early January was for your December 31st 2010 bill, which was actually for service consumed from Mid-October thru Mid-December. The January 31st 2011 bill that you just received is for services consumed from Mid-December thru Mid-January.
Q. I just received my bill, when is it due by?
A. The due date of the monthly billing is 15th of the following month, however if you perfer you may still pay your bill every other month without receiving a late charge.
Q. When can I expect my bill now that the City’s moved to a monthly billing cycle?
A. You can expect your bill in the first week of every month.
Q. With the switch to monthly billing, do I have to resend my ACH, or Auto Draft Payment, with my bank?
A. No. The City has transferred the account information and withdrawals from your checking account will be made on the date selected on the application. To learn more about the ACH process, click here. A benefit of this payment option is that your utility bill will be paid automatically from your checking account.
Q. When will I be able to pay my utility bills online?
A. Milwaukie Finance now offers this online service effective March 15th, 2011. Click here to access the site where you can manage your account and pay your bill online with a debit or credit card. This service is free of charge.
