§ 20-169. Unauthorized use of services.

(a)

In the event of use or evidence of attempted use of city's services, without city's authorization, whether by tampering with city's meter or equipment, or by any other means, service may be discontinued by city. Customer shall pay a tampering fee before services can be restored. The fee for tampering is included in the fee schedule [as set out in section 20-46]. Customer shall be required to pay all charges, including the following, before service is resumed.

(1)

The charge for the estimated amount of usage without city authorization which shall be estimated based on amounts used under similar conditions, during preceding years. Where no previous usage history exists or is considered unreliable, consumption shall be estimated on the basis of usage levels of similar customers and under similar conditions;

(2)

The cost of replacement or repair of any damaged meter or associated equipment; and

(3)

The cost of installing protective facilities or relocation of meter or lines if determined necessary by city.

(b)

If services are restored by other than authorized city personnel after being discontinued by city, city shall discontinue service and dismantle and remove all lines, equipment, apparatus or other facilities which city installed to provide service to customer. City shall, however, abandon in place, in whole or in part, its underground lines and equipment in lieu of removing such facilities. The city shall file theft of service charges under the provisions of this article, other ordinances or state and federal laws, rules or regulations.

(c)

If it is shown to the satisfaction of city that customer or applicant for service had no connection with or knowledge of authorized use, service shall be restored after the condition causing or permitting the unauthorized use of service is corrected. City shall charge customer for the estimated amount of unauthorized services used.

(d)

No travel trailer, motor home shall be allowed to be connected to any city utility and shall not be occupied as a residence.

(Ord. No. 2010-01, § 19, 1-11-2010)