City of Oberlin, Ohio

Utility Billing

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Utility Billing FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to open a new account?
A: The City requires a $161.00 security deposit at the time of sign up for water, sewer and electric services. Waiver of deposit may be made based upon prior billing history. (Ordinance 909.05)

Q: What do I do to start service?
A: We ask that you come to our office at 69 South Main Street to sign up for services at least 3 days prior to service date. If this is a new account, a deposit may be required.

Q: How soon can I get my water turned on?
A: Once notification for service is filled out, we can turn the service on the next business day. If the water is turned off, we will need access to the meter to turn water on during our meter crew's business hours. (8:00 am to 4:00 pm Mon-Fri)

Q: Is there a minimum water, sewer, and refuse charge?
A: Yes, the minimum for water and sewer, based on an equivalent of 300 cu. ft. is $36.36, and refuse is $4.00.

Q: How long do you hold the security deposit?
A: Twelve months of 'good payment', which means the account has been paid in full and upon customer written request or final billing.

Q: How do I terminate my service?
A: You can call or come into our office at least 24 hours prior to the final date you request. We will schedule a date and time if necessary for access to the meter to retrieve a final reading. We will also need a forwarding address to send the final bill.

Q: What happens to my security deposit when I move?
A: If the City still holds your deposit at the time your account goes final and you move outside our service area, we apply the deposit toward your final bill. If this results in a credit, we will issue a check and mail to your new address.

Q: Who do I call if I have a refuse/recycling question?
A: Contact Public Works at 440 775-7218.

Q: Where can I pick up a recycling bin and is there a charge?
A: We have them available at the Utility Billing Office in Old City Hall at 69 S. Main St. Every household is entitled to three recycling bins for glass, metal and plastic.

Contact Us

Utility Billing
Finance Department
69 South Main St.
Phone: 440 775-7211 or 775-7214

The Finance Department is responsible for billing, collection, and customer service for approximately 3,000 accounts with the following services: Electric, Water, Sewer, and Refuse. The Customer Service office is located on the first floor of the Old City Hall Building, at 69 S. Main Street. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Meters are read and customers are billed monthly. Payments can be mailed to the above address or made at the cashier's window during business hours. There is a drive-up box in the rear parking lot of the building, near the mail boxes, and drop box on the south side of our building. PLEASE DO NOT PLACE CASH IN OUR DROP BOX.

Automatic Utility Payment Program
This service is available to all utility customers upon the completion and return of an Automatic Utility Payment Authorization Form (click here for form). Enjoy worry free payment of your City Utilities directly from the account you designate. Automatic payment customers will still receive utility bills at the beginning of the month, notifying them of the amount that will be deducted from their designated account on the date due.

Caring Fund
This fund was established several years ago with the sole purpose of assisting Oberlin utility customers who are experiencing financial hardship such as loss of income, illness, or death of a family member. Eligibility for these funds is determined by the Oberlin Community Services Council. Your donations can be remitted to the City of Oberlin Finance Office, 69 South Main Street, Oberlin OH 44074.

Effective January 1, 2006, bills will automatically be rounded up to the next whole dollar with the excess going to the Caring Fund. To opt-out, simply call the Utilities office at 775-7214 or 775-7211.

Holiday Beautification Fund
This fund was established to help pay for and maintain the City's Holiday lighting and decorations. You may send your donations to the City of Oberlin Finance Office, 69 South Main Street, Oberlin OH 44074, or save time by sending it with your utility bill payment noting the amount you wish to donate!

Utility Meters: Your Best Assurance of Accurate Bills
Utility meters are the best way to accurately bill residents and businesses for water and electric units. Your assistance in providing access to the meter is greatly appreciated so that we produce accurate, timely utility bills. When meter reading is prevented for any reason, bills are estimated for that month. If at any time you think there may be a problem with one of your meters, please call (440) 775-7214 or (440) 775-1211 so that one of our meter technicians can investigate.

Touching an exposed, energized meter can lead to serious injury or death. Tampering with or bypassing a utility meter constitutes a theft offense and can result in a fine and/or imprisonment. Ohio law specifies a maximum penalty of up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000 for first time offenders. Please don't risk meter tampering...your life could depend on it.

Rates for Water Service
The following rates shall be charged for water furnished by the City to users inside the corporate limits of the City. The fee calculation is based on Ordinance 911.11.

Rates for Water Service Outside City. 911.11
The minimum water rate set forth in section 911.11 is one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of fee for all water service outside City limits.

Rates for Sewer Service - Rates shall be based on wastewater treated as determined by water consumption which is expecgted to enter the sanitary sewer system. As calculated per Ordinance 915.04.

Rates for Refuse Collection

Domestic refuse charge:
Each household or dwelling unit, $4.00 per month minimum. The minimum domestic refuse charge shall be for a maximum of three (3) containers for one month.

Commercial refuse charges:

Commercial refuse charge-containerized collection:

Size of container
(cubic yards)

Frequency of collection (per week)

1

2

3

4

5

1

$3.90

$7.80

$11.70

$15.60

$19.50

2

$7.40

$14.80

$22.20

$29.60

$37.00

3

$10.20

$20.40

$30.60

$40.80

$51.00

4

$12.40

$24.80

$37.20

$49.60

$62.00

6

$17.40

$34.80

$52.20

$69.60

$87.00

8

$21.60

$43.20

$64.80

$86.40

$108.00

Reference Ordinance 925.10 for refuse charges.

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Revised: November 6, 2007