OTHER CITIES THAT SELL WATER HAVE STRICT PAYMENT PLANS

Cape Girardeau residents may think the city's new water system rules for disconnection are harsh, but the program isn't new for other cities with municipal utilities.

Lester Wright, business manager for Sikeston Light and Water, said Sikeston's bills have charges for electricity, water and sewer on one bill, so people can have both their power and water cut for non-payment.

Sikeston customers receive their bills the first day of the month, are delinquent on the 15th and may be disconnected on the 20th. Before disconnection, utility employees try to contact the customer and leave a note on the customer's door if he isn't available.

Should services be cut, it costs $15, plus the cost of the bill, plus a 5 percent late charge on the electricity usage part of the bill. It costs $55 to get reconnected after hours on weekdays or Saturdays and $70 to get reconnected on Sundays or holidays.

In Jackson, bills are mailed on the first day of a month and are delinquent at 8 a.m. on the 16th. If customers pay before the 10th, they receive a 10 percent discount. After that day, the city collector sends a letter saying they no longer are eligible for the discount.

Before disconnecting services, Jackson utility employees attempt to contact the customer. If he isn't home, the employees leave a note on the door saying when services will be disconnected.

It costs $15 plus the amount of the bill to be reconnected no matter when.