§ 20-124. Billings and payment; penalties.

(a)

Bills or statements for the stormwater utility fee shall be rendered monthly in accordance with the regular utility billing cycle by the utility billing department for all properties subject to the fee. Bills shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner and subject to the same penalties as set forth in this chapter for water and sanitary sewer service. Any partial payment of a combined utility bill shall be applied first to the stormwater utility fee. Any unpaid stormwater utility fees shall constitute a lien against the property, which lien shall be prior to all other liens on such property except the liens of state, county and municipal taxes and shall be on a parity with the lien of such state, county and municipal taxes. Such lien when delinquent for more than thirty (30) days may be foreclosed by the city in the manner provided by the laws of Florida for the foreclosure of mortgages on real property.

(b)

For properties normally receiving monthly utility bills for other services, the stormwater utility fee shall be included in the monthly utility bill rendered to the established customer.

(c)

For properties not receiving monthly utility bills for other services, the bill or statement for the stormwater utility fee shall be sent to the owner of the property as determined from the tax rolls. The utility billing department may render annual or semiannual billing on such properties if determined to be in the best interest of the city.

(d)

The owner of a property is ultimately responsible for all fees imposed under this article.

(Ord. No. 89-23, § 4, 8-22-89)