City Utility Billing System Receives Overhaul

The City is divided into four areas for meter reading and billing purposes. Water meters are read every twenty-eight (28) days for two (2) consecutive months followed by a billing cycle based on 35 days. Bills will be processed and mailed the same week the meter was read. The bills are due twenty-three (23) days later – that date will be printed on the bill. Customers who have their bills processed through an automatic bank withdrawal system should be sure to note the due date indicated on the bill

Water consumption, as indicated on the January – March bills, will be averaged to determine a "water use average" for both residential and business accounts. This average will be recalculated annually. Usage that falls within this average during the months of April through March of the following year will be billed $1.70 per 100 cubic foot (c.f.) (excluding the 1st 100 c.f. that is included in the minimum meter charge). All usage exceeding the water use average will be billed at the "conservation tier" which is an additional $1.70 per 100 c.f. The following is an example of how an account with a 5/8" meter will be calculated once the water use average is exceeded.

Customers who have irrigation meters installed for lawn watering will be billed $3.40 per 100 c.f. for all usage going through the meter plus a minimum charge based on the size of the meter. The first 100 c.f. is included in the minimum. All usage over the first 100 c.f. will be billed $3.40 per 100 c.f.

Water Billing

Water bills are mailed monthly in four cycles. All meters are read on Mondays & Tuesdays of the following weeks:

Route #1 Meters – Read between the 15th and 21st of the month

Route #2 Meters – Read between the 22nd and 28th of the month

Route #3 Meters – Read between the 1st and 7th of the month

Route #4 Meters – Read between the 8th and 14th of the month

All bills are due 23 days after they are mailed.
A 5% penalty will be added to bills not paid by the due date.

Meter Deposit

New customers are required to make a deposit.

The deposit is $100.00 for residential customers and is refundable, with interest, after 24 months. (Provided you have maintained good credit.)

Meter deposits are not transferable. If the customer is moving, it will be necessary to make a deposit for service at the new address. 

Any existing deposit funds will be used to pay off any outstanding balance at the previous address, and any money remaining will be refunded to the customer.

Deposits are not transferable between customers. (i.e. The name on the deposit cannot be changed) 

Five Convenient Ways to Pay

There are several ways for customers to pay their City of Hays utility bills.

1. AutoBill Pay - The customer's bill is paid automatically each month on the due date. Due dates will vary from month to month, therefore, it is important to check the due date frequently.
    
2. In Person - Customers can pay bills in the City Clerk/Finance Office at City Hall, 1507 Main Street.
    
3. By Mail - Customers can mail the return stub along with payment in the envelope provided in the utility bill.
    
4. Drop Boxes - "Drop Boxes" are located at either of the Dillons Grocery Stores and on the southeast side of City Hall. There is also a drive-by drop box located on the south side of City Hall, 1507 Main Street, for customer convenience.
    
5. By Phone - Customers can pay bills by Credit or Debit Card in person or over the telephone. Please call (785) 628-7300.

Charges and Fees

Utility bills are due on the date given on the billing statement. Payments must be received in the City Clerk/Finance office by 5:00p.m. to avoid late or reconnection fees. Anything received and processed after this date is considered past due, and a 5% late charge is assessed to the account.

Bad checks

Checks, or Auto Bill Payments, returned for insufficient funds are subject to late penalties plus an additional $25 bad check fee.

AutoBill Pay - Payment System

Perhaps the easiest method of payment is to sign up for the City's AutoBill Pay Program. City of Hays utility bills can be paid via a direct withdrawal from a specific bank account. Bills are received and due 23 days later as indicated on the bill. It is important to remember that due dates vary, therefore, it is the customer's responsibility to confirm appropriate funds are available on the due date specified. 

To sign up for AutoBill Pay, customers can drop by the City Clerk/Finance Office at City Hall, 1507 Main Street, and complete an application. Items to bring include a canceled check or deposit slip to attach to the application. If a customer wishes to cancel their AutoBill Pay service, they should notify the City Clerk/Finance Office at least 30 days prior to the cancellation date. If the AutoBill payment is returned for insufficient funds, a fee of $25.00 will be charged to the customer. If the AutoBill payment is returned a second time, the customer will no longer be eligible for this payment option and will need to make other arrangements for payment of their utility bill.

Automatic Pay Form

Water Conservation Program

It is unlawful to waste water in the City of Hays. The use of water for washing down buildings, sidewalks, and other hard-surfaced areas is prohibited unless a special permit from the City Clerk/Finance office is obtained. Permits can be issued to allow for washing down hard surfaces for sanitary reasons or power washing a house to prepare it for painting. Outside washing (including car washes) is allowed anytime of the day between October 1 and May 31. A ban is placed on all outside water usage during the period of June 1 to September 30 between the hours of 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. For customers with newly seeded lawns, the City will issue a permit allowing watering during the hours of 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. Permits can be obtained, at no charge, by visiting the City Clerk/Finance office at 1507 Main Street and completing an application process.

Emergencies

In the case of an emergency, please contact the City Clerk/Finance Office at (785) 628-7300, or after hours or weekends, call the Hays Police Department at (785) 625-1011. A service employee will be dispatched to attend to the emergency.

Contact Information:

Trash pick-up days          (785) 628-7357
Recycling and yard waste      (785) 628-7357
Special Refuse Collection      (785) 628-7357
Water information/conservation  (785) 628-7300