====== Chapter 3.24 - DELINQUENT CHARGES ======


==== 3.24.010 Late charges for unpaid bills. ====

A late charge, as set forth in Chapter [[title_13:13.01_fee_schedule|13.01]] of this code, shall be added to each customer's account that is not paid in full by the due date printed on each customer's bill.
(Res. {{:618.pdf|618}} § A, 2002)
(Res. No. {{:683.pdf|683}}, § 1(C), 6-11-2009)


==== 3.24.020 Certification of Charges on Delinquent Accounts. ====

The following process shall be followed for certification of charges on delinquent accounts.

  * A. __When Delinquencies Certified__.  On or about January 1 and July 1 of each year, or at such other time as it deems appropriate, the District will certify by filing a lien with the Whatcom County Auditor any delinquencies in residential or commercial water and/or sewer accounts where either:
    - No payment has been received on the account for twelve (12) months or more, or
    - No payment has been received for six (6) months and the balance due is more than four hundred and 00/100th dollars ($400.00), or
    - The outstanding account balance exceeds five hundred and 00/100th dollars ($500) for six (6) consecutive months, or 
    - The Board determines the nature of the delinquency is such that filing is appropriate. 
  * B. __Who Certifies__.  The District Treasurer shall certify such delinquencies.
  * C. __Additional Penalties and Interest__.  Upon determination that a delinquency qualifies for certification, as outlined in subsection A hereof, Lien Fee and Removal charges as specified in [[title_13:13.01_fee_schedule|13.01.010]], shall be added to the delinquent amount.
  * D. __Lien__.  The delinquencies and the charges levied pursuant to this Resolution shall be a lien against the property upon which the service was received, subject only to the lien for general taxes, as set forth in RCW 57.08.081. 
(Res. {{:758.pdf|758}}, § 1, 2019: Res. No. {{:725.pdf|725}}, § 1, 6-26-2013)