Edited Release
08/25/22
The City of Iowa City has resumed standard utility billing collections procedures for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members who still need assistance in paying those bills have several options.
Under the City’s Utility Discount Program, eligible Iowa City utility customers can receive a discount of 60 percent of the minimum water and sewer charges, 60 percent of the monthly storm water charge, and 75 percent of the refuse, recycling and organics charges each month. Learn more about the utility discount program, including how to apply, at icgov.org/utilitydiscountprogram.
Households needing help with disconnection notices, reconnections, and past due utility and water bills may also be eligible for HACAP’s Crisis & Utility Water Assistance Program. Details are available at hacap.org under the News & Events tab.
Iowa City discontinued standard practices of charging late fees, carding fees, water shut-offs, and collections in March 2020 to reduce financial pressure on households due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the City also eliminated the water shut-off carding fee and reduced the reconnection fee.
Beginning with bills dated August 3rd, there will be a 10 percent late fee if unpaid by this Friday.
The Water Division will begin leaving notices on doors notifying the customers with unpaid bills that their water is subject to be shut off. Letters will also be mailed to those customers. The City will work with customers to arrange a payment plan if they’re unable to pay off the bill in full. Shutoffs are expected to begin September 20th.
Residents who have questions or concerns can contact the City’s Revenue Division at revutilityonline@iowa-city.org or call 319-356-5066.