Our online utility bill pay system is currently down. The software vendor is looking into the issue. In the meantime, we will not proceed with shut-offs as scheduled for 2/28/23 and will update the timeline when the system returns. You can still pay by credit card, check or cash at City Hall.

The numbers on the bill correspond to the numbers below to read more about what that section of your bill means.

Sample utility bill 1 Account Number: provide this number if you need to call us with any questions or concerns.  You’ll also use this number to log in to pay your bill online.

2 Your Name and Address need to be updated and correct to make sure you receive your bill on time. Let us know if anything is incorrect or out of date.  If you choose to pay your bill online, you can decide whether or not to continue receiving bills by mail.

Meter Reading tells you exactly what your meter read on the previous month and the current month.  The current reading minus the previous reading tells you how many units of water you consumed (Cons).  Meters are read every-other-month and the charge for the amount of water you used is split between your next two monthly bills.  

4 Current Charges: this section outlines your charges for this month for water, sewer, storm and fire flow, which is mostly used by commercial buildings.  For water, everyone is charged a base rate of $22.34 plus $1.96 per unit of water used up to 10 units.  With one unit of water used, the water charge is $24.30. 

Sewer rates start with a base.  For a single family home, that base is $50.69 for up to 5 units.  (A unit is 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.) If you use more than the base, you’re charged $7.46 per unit.  This shows up on your bill as a separate charge that appears only when you go over your base rate.  Unlike water, there is no meter on sewer use.  Instead, we base your sewer use on your water use during the winter months.

For storm, all residents are charged $15.20 per month.  Please note: the rates themselves may have changed since this example was posted.  See the current Utility Rates.

5 Usage History: shows how your use this year stacks up against your use during the same month last year.  Again, “Cons” stands for consumption.  Learn more about how you can reduce your bill by reducing your use of water.

6 Previous Charges: shows you what was due at your last billing and what you paid.  You may have some charges carrying over from previous bills.

Fee for Non-sufficient Funds Checks: Per Ordinance 2203, there is a $40 check-handling fee for any check or draft returned for non-sufficient funds.  Whenever a check or draft presented to the City is dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment by the drawing bank or institution, the maker may be charged a $40.00 check-handling fee.  Any license or application paid for with such check or draft is invalid, any obligation paid with such check or draft is still outstanding, and any penalties, interest or fees specified in the Sumner Municipal Code, ordinances or resolutions will continue to accrue, until the City receives funds for the amount of the check or draft plus the check-handling fee.

CONTACT US
Billing Questions:  
253-299-5546
Questions/problems with your water/sewer line: 253-299-5740
For after-hours water/sewer emergencies, still call this number and press 0 when you hear the message. 

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