The Demorest City Council approved an 18% water rate increase at Tuesday evening’s regular council meeting. The increase comes on the heels of a water and sewer cash flow and rate analysis study completed by Engineering Management, Inc. (EMI) in December.
Currently, the average outside-city residential water bill is $43.90. The average outside residential water bill will increase to $51.80.
Mayor Jerry Harkness said the council had been discussing this matter for months, and they knew this day was coming.
“I don’t think anybody wants to go forward on going up on anything but costs – everything – has risen so much. We can no longer keep it where it’s at.”
The EMI study revealed that in Fiscal Year 2022, the city experienced a decrease in water and sewer revenues, resulting in an overall water and sewer fund deficit. EMI did an annualized study for FY 2023 through last October, and determined the city will again likely face a deficit in its water and sewer fund.
Demorest city leaders addressed this issue last year by raising water rates by 10%. However, the city did not raise sewer rates or change the rate structure. The recently approved FY 2024 budget for the water and sewer fund will result in a net negative balance, officials say.
According to EMI, Demorest is running deficits “because expenses have been increasing much faster than the rates are being adjusted.”
In addition to the water and sewer fund balance deficits, the city is also experiencing issues with meeting its debt service coverage ratio (DSCR).
The DSCR measures the city’s available cash flow to pay current debt obligations beyond operation and maintenance expenses. Demorest hasn’t met its DSCR since 2021. Continued failure to do so may result in financial repercussions and lower the city’s borrowing power in the future.
Having access to clean, reliable water is essential for every home and business. As a resident or company in Demorest, it is important to pay your monthly water bill on time to the City of Demorest Utility Billing department. This comprehensive guide explains the various ways customers can pay Demorest water bills.
Online Payments
The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Demorest water bill is online through the Municipal Online Payments portal. To make a one-time payment, you’ll need your 12-digit account number and 4-digit CID code printed on your bill.
The online portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and e-check payments. A small convenience fee of $1.50 applies to credit/debit card payments.
You can also set up automatic monthly payments to have your bill paid directly from a checking account or credit card. Going paperless with e-bills will reduce clutter and ensure you never miss a payment.
Pay by Phone
Call 1-866-957-3764 to pay your Demorest water bill over the phone 24/7 You will need to enter your account number, CID code, and payment information
Phone payments have a $1.50 convenience fee regardless of payment type. Have your bill handy to reference the account details.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order payable to “City of Demorest” to:
City of Demorest
PO Box 257
Demorest, GA 30535
Be sure to include your payment stub to credit your account properly. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to reach the utility billing office.
Pay in Person
You can pay your water bill in person at Demorest City Hall located at 546 Georgia Street. The office accepts cash, check, credit/debit cards, and money orders.
In-person payments can be made Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM. For after hours payments, a night drop box is located at the back entrance of City Hall. No cash is allowed in the drop box.
Payment Policies and Fees
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Bills are issued monthly and payment is due by the 15th of each month.
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A 10% late fee applies to past due balances.
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Accounts 60+ days past due may have water service disconnected.
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A $50 fee is charged to reconnect disconnected accounts.
Avoid late fees and service interruptions by paying your water bill on time every month. Contact Utility Billing if you need to set up a payment plan for past due balances.
Account Management Tips
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Update your contact information to receive important account notices
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Sign up for bill reminders through the online portal
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Monitor water usage regularly and check for leaks
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Dispute incorrect charges in writing within 10 days of the bill date
Proactively managing your water account with the City of Demorest can help avoid surprise fees and keep your service running smoothly.
Payment Assistance Programs
Demorest offers the following assistance programs to customers facing financial hardship:
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Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan for past due balances
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Limited income discounts – Reduced rates for qualifying low income residents
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Senior citizen discounts – Reduced rates for residents age 62 and older
Contact Utility Billing to learn more about the bill assistance programs you may qualify for. Keeping your water flowing in Demorest is important, and the city wants to help.
Paying your water bill on time doesn’t have to be a chore. Use this guide to explore the many payment options offered by the City of Demorest. Maintain good account standing and never miss a payment deadline again!
Help Paying Your Water Bill Campaign
FAQ
What is Demorest, Georgia known for?
Where do I pay my water bill in Laurel Mississippi?
Who is Demorest Water Works Department?
Welcome to Demorest Water Works Department. We are located at 251 Habersham Mills Road. We are responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the City water system. and mailed or returned to the City Hall office at the address below. A deposit of $100.00 will be required when the application is completed along with a photo ID.
How long does a Demorest water service take?
Luckily, Demorest has made it pretty simple with the following online form. Starting service generally takes just two business days. Click here to fill out a Start Service Form. When you move out of a home in Demorest, you’ll need to stop your water service with the Demorest Water, so you don’t keep getting billed.
Does Demorest water have a water quality report?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA requires Demorest Water to assess local water quality each year and distribute a Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report. At WaterZen, we review these reports and make the information available, in a concise, straightforward, and easy-to-understand way.
How did Demorest get its name?
Demorest was founded in 1889 as a private endeavor of the Demorest Home, Mining & Improvement Company. It is named for William Jennings Demorest, an internationally known alcohol prohibition leader. A church bell honors his name and lifetime achievements. The city became a public entity in 1917.