Revision to South Bend Municipal Rules and Regulations

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Municipal Uzi Utilities and Service Lines .._.._... u12s gnd ReRUlations VI. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SERVICE Tampering, theft, and unauthorized use of utility service are prohibited. When found and/or reported, each case shall be investigated by the utility for verification. A. Unauthorized Use If prior to the start of services described in Section IV. ESTABLISHING PROPER SERVICE, the Utility shall determine a customer's water service has been turned on without authorization, the Utility may turn off the water without notice and may take progressive steps to prevent any future unauthorized usage, including but not limited to permanent disconnection of the service line at the main. The customer may also be charged an unauthorized usage fee. If the shutting off or renewal of service involves any excavation work by the Utility, the cost of such work shall be borne by the customer, and the City shall not be responsible for any damage done to the property as a result of such excavation work. In addition to an unauthorized usage fee, the customer may be charged for a service call, together with the cost of labor and materials required. B. Theft/Tamperin If it is found that a customer or their representative has damaged, removed or disconnected the generator and/or meter in order to prevent proper metering of water usage, customer shall be charged an unauthorized usage fee along with all labor and material costs associated with the investigation, correction, disconnection, and/or restoration of water service to customer. Prior to the restoration of services, all costs must be paid along with any outstanding balances owed the utility. The estimated water charges for the time period the theft has occurred will be billed to the customer's account. The customer may also be responsible for the cost associated with collection of these monies, including but not limited to, collection agency fees, court costs, and attorney fees. Upon determination that unauthorized usage has occurred, the owner and/or customer shall be notified in writing of the Utility's findings. The owner and/or customer will have 10 business days from the date of the letter to refute such findings. The Utility may hold the property owner responsible for reimbursing the Utility for any expenses incurred to stop and prevent unauthorized use or tampering. In addition to the measures described above, the Utility may also seek prosecution for unauthorized use or theft of services pursuant to IC 35-43-5- 1.9