§ 54-7. Deposit.

(a)

All new residential users shall make a deposit and service call charge to activate and to read the meter as set forth by the board of commissioners in the town's fee schedule. Multi-unit users (master meter) shall be required to place on deposit, with the town, a deposit based on the number of equivalent users (units served) at each site. For residential or commercial residential structures, (i.e., hotels, motels or similar establishments) and for purposes of calculations, two habitable rooms shall equal one user, to be billed the same as one residential user (rounded up to next whole number). If the user is a high volume user (e.g., restaurant, lounge), the equivalent user deposit will be computed based on allowable occupancy. Other deposit requirements shall be determined on the basis of a written contract, or when the Town of Pine Knoll Shores determines that a higher deposit is necessary due to extraordinary circumstances.

(b)

The individual association or business in whose name the deposit is made shall be responsible for payment of all bills incurred in connection with the service furnished.

(c)

A separate deposit shall be required for each meter installed or for each unit served in a multi-unit housing or condominium association.

(d)

If a bill is delinquent and service is suspended or terminated, the deposit may be applied to any unpaid balance on an account.

(e)

Any unused portion of a deposit will be refunded, without interest, at the termination of the customer's water service or after three years of satisfactory payment history, if all applicable charges have been paid.

(f)

If a customer in good standing moves within the service area, the deposit for the new water account will be waived.

(Ord. No. 2009-01, 1-13-2009; Ord. No. 2013-04, 5-9-2013; Ord. No. 2014-02, 2-13-2014; Ord. No. 2015-15, Art. 2, 12-9-2015)