About two thirds of District customers already pay their utility bills within the 20-day payment period -- before a second "reminder" notice is sent.  Sending the second notice is costly, and this cost will continue to rise with postal rates. 

In March, 2002, the District Board initiated a $5 charge against all water and sewer accounts requiring a "reminder" notice.  Of course, the $5 charge is completely avoidable -- simply pay your utility bill when it is received. 

The purpose of the fee is to pass the cost of the "second notice" directly to the customers who require it.  Forty-eight hour "door-hanger" notices and reconnect fees have also increased to cover their costs.  This is another example of how the OCSD Board closely monitors how District funds are spent.