Notice of Potential Sewer Payment Refund For "Outside City" Customers of the Fayetteville Sewer Utility

The City of Fayetteville Sewer Utility is providing a partial refund of some sewer rates paid by customers with accounts outside the city limits of Fayetteville during the period February, 2004 through April, 2007. The refund does apply to customers who received service in Farmington, Greenland, southern portions of Johnson, and unincorporated areas of Washington County.

Fayetteville reviewed sewer rates for all customers in 2006. This review indicated that the rate for "Outside City" customers was disproportionately high. This refund is a result of that review and negotiations between the cities of Farmington and Fayetteville when negotiating a new sewer service agreement between the two cities. This refund does not apply to customers who received the city limits of Fayetteville. 

Background Information: 

Fayetteville reviewed sewer rates for all customers in 2006.  This review indicated that the rate for “Outside City” customers was disproportionately high.  As a result, the City of Fayetteville has taken or will take the following actions: 

1.  Reduce the sewer rate for outside city customers from $7.16 to $4.66 effective May 1, 2007.

2.  Mailed refund checks on 15 June, 2007, to all persons who were outside city customers as of 14 June, 2007. 

3.  Upon receiving adequate supporting documentation, mail a refund check to all eligible customers who were outside city customers during the period of February, 2004 through April, 2007, and who did not receive a refund for that account in the checks mailed on June 15, 2007.

Who may be eligible.  Customers of the Fayetteville sewer utility who lived outside the City limits of Fayetteville at some time during the period of February, 2004 through April, 2007, including those who receive service in Farmington, Greenland, southern portions of Johnson, and unincorporated areas of Washington County. 

Who is not eligible.  Fayetteville sewer customers inside the city limits of Fayetteville are not eligible, as their rates during this time were lower than the rates for outside city customers.  

How to apply. 

1.  Come to the Business Office on the first floor of Fayetteville City Hall, 113 West Mountain, from 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

2.  Bring the following:

            - photo identification (driver’s license)

            - the exact service address as stated on utility bill at the time of service

            - copy of Fayetteville Water/Sewer bill (if you have one)

            - either complete an application for refund at the office or bring in a completed
application 

When and where to apply.  The Business Office on the first floor of Fayetteville City Hall, 113 West Mountain, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.   Applications must be received prior to September 30, 2007.  No applications shall be accepted after 5:00 p.m. September 30, 2007. 

How to get an application.  Applications can be obtained on line  or in person at the Business Office on the first floor of Fayetteville City Hall, 113 West Mountain, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

When refund checks can be expected to be received.  Refund checks will be mailed between 60 and 90 days of receipt of completed application. 

How the refund is calculated.  The refund is calculated based on a negotiated percentage of the difference in the rate that was in effect as of the time of billing and $4.66, the new rate in effect as of May 1, 2007.   The percentage was determined in the negotiations between the Fayetteville and Farmington sewer negotiating teams. 

Note.  This is not an announcement of a rate change.