Robersonville council adopts updated utility billing policy with stiffer late fees

The Robersonville Town Council voted unanimously Oct. 8 to adopt an amended Utility Customer Service Policy that tightens billing, penalty and disconnect rules for town water and sewer accounts.

Town Manager Chris Roberson told the council the policy formalizes billing timing and enforcement: utility bills will cover the prior month, be mailed by the first day of the month and are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th. Accounts unpaid at 5 p.m. on the 15th will incur a 5% penalty on the balance; accounts unpaid at 5 p.m. on the 25th will be subject to disconnect beginning the next business day and a $100 nonpayment fee will be assessed. Manager Roberson said online billing "will be moving forward as soon as possible."

The policy also sets a $30 returned‑item fee for checks or electronic payments that are returned. The town will require cash, certified check or money order after a second returned item, and if a returned deposit check occurs for a new account the account may be disconnected immediately and the $30 fee applied. The council discussed timeframes for extensions; the policy allows extension requests by the 15th for up to seven calendar days from the cutoff date.

Councilman David Jenkins moved to adopt the amended policy; Councilman Glen Cowan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The adopted changes will first appear on December 2024 bills.

The agenda packet and motion as approved do not specify changes to the town's appeals or hardship procedures; Manager Roberson and staff will carry out implementation steps and notify customers of the new deadlines and payment options.