Utility Service Policy

Adoption and Revision
This policy regarding utility services, payments, late charges, and service connection/disconnection was revised and adopted on April 16th, 2026. It supersedes all previous policies related to water, sewer, and trash services. Charges and fees are fully disclosed in the City of Harrah / Harrah Public Works Authority Fee Schedule, and may be updated at the discretion of the governing body.

  1. Utility Deposits and Service Connection

1.1 Deposit and Administrative Fee

  • All accounts require a utility deposit and a non-refundable administrative fee, as listed in the Fee Schedule. 
  • Service will be connected, and trash container(s) ordered, upon receipt of the deposit and fee. 

1.2 Applicants

  • All residents and businesses within city limits must connect to city services per Ordinance 17-217. 
  • Applicants must complete a service application and pay the required deposit and fee per Ordinance 17-203. 
  • Applicants must provide proof of property occupancy: 
    • Ownership – Oklahoma County Assessor records or closing documents and government-issued photo ID, or 
    • Rental – Copy of lease agreement and government-issued photo ID. 
  • Only those listed on property records or lease agreements may establish service. Unauthorized occupants cannot start service. 

1.3 Landlord / Property Owner Accounts

  • To maintain continuous service during vacancies, landlords/property owners must pay a deposit and administrative fee for each service address. 
  • When a new tenant initiates service, the landlord’s account becomes inactive. 
  • Deposits may remain on the account for future vacancies or be applied to the final bill. Refunds, if any, will be issued within 30 days of final billing. 
  • When reestablishing service for a new vacancy, landlords/property owners are responsible for paying applicable fees and deposits. 
  1. Billing
  • Utility bills are issued monthly, by mail or email, on or before the last day of each month, unless unforeseen circumstances prevent timely delivery. 
  • Customers may call the Utility Office for their balance if the bill is not received. 
  1. Payment and Late Charges
  • Bills are due upon receipt and are delinquent after 5:30 PM on the 15th of each month. 
  • A late fee will be applied to delinquent accounts after 5:31 PM. 

3.1 Exceptions

  • If the 15th falls on a Friday, weekend, or holiday, payments are accepted without penalty until 7:30 AM on the next business day. 

3.2 Returned Payments

  • Payments returned prior to the 15th that remain unpaid after the 15th will incur both the late fee and returned payment fee per the Fee Schedule. 
  1. Delinquent Accounts and Service Disconnection

4.1 Delinquent Notice

  • After late fees are applied, a delinquent notice will be mailed, stating the date services will be disconnected. 

4.2 Disconnection

  • Services will begin disconnection at 8:00 AM, at least 7 days after the delinquency date, for balances over $25. 
  • Delinquent accounts will incur additional penalties per the Fee Schedule. 

4.2a After-Hours Service Restoration

  • Services cut off for non payment where the payment is received after 5pm on Monday through Thursday, or after 11am on Friday will be restored on the next business day.  

4.2b Unauthorized Reconnection

  • Customers may not turn water back on themselves after disconnection. Unauthorized access constitutes meter tampering and incurs additional fees per the Fee Schedule (Ordinance 17-207). 

4.3 Payment Extensions

  • Customers with extenuating circumstances may request an extension prior to cut off day, subject to City Manager approval. Services that have been cut off will not be turned back on until the account is paid in full.
  • Extensions cannot exceed the current month; late fees still apply.  Extensions are limited to one per quarter (three months).
  1. Moving or Closing Accounts

5.1 Closing Accounts

  • Requests to close or transfer accounts must be made in writing either via web form, email, or form at the Utility Office and must include a forwarding address to send any final bill or refund.

5.2 Transfer of Deposit

  • Deposits may be transferred to a new service location within the service area. 

5.3 Final Billing

  • When moving outside the service area, deposits are applied to the final bill. Any remaining balance or refund will be processed within 30 days of final billing. 
  1. Additional Policies

6.1 Delinquent Accounts

  • Customers must pay any delinquent balance in full before establishing new service and providing a security deposit. 

6.2 Payment Methods

  • Accounts with 2 returned payments within 12 months must pay all future bills via cash, debit/credit card, or money order. 

6.3 Non-Payment over 60 Days

  • Accounts unpaid for 60 days will be closed. 
  • Deposits will be applied to the balance, and a new deposit and any remaining balance must be paid to restart service.