Departments / Finance / FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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General Finance
Accounts Payable
Customer Care
Tax Collections
Utility Billing
Utility Collections
What is the Fiscal Year the City operates on?

The City operates on a July 1st - June 30th Fiscal Year.

I have a question about an invoice that was sent to me. Who do I call?

If the invoice does not pertain to your utility or tax account, you may call Carrie Deal at (704) 920-5225.

When can I expect payment?

Invoices are paid according to the terms stated on vendor invoice.  If terms are not stated on the invoice, we assume terms of net 30 days.

What is the turnaround time to receive a check?

The invoices along with the approval from the department must be received by Accounts Payable by 5:00 PM on Tuesday to be considered for payment on Friday of that week. 

Is Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) available to my bank account?

Yes, call (704) 920-5217 to request an authorization form.  The form must be completed and returned with a voided check.  All requests will be verified with the vendor prior to processing an electronic payment.  See the Authorization form for more details. 

How often are payments processed?

On Friday of every week, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks.

Can I pick up my check?

No, City policy requires the checks to be mailed.

Who do I call when my garbage is missed?

Please contact Customer Care at 704-920-5555 the next business day.

When is cut off day?

45th day from bill date.

When does the City pick up yard waste and/or bulky items?

Yard waste is collected weekly on your normal garbage collection day. Bulky waste will be collected every other week with recycling according to the established blue/green zone schedule. The City uses smaller "scout" vehicles to locate bulky and yard waste with GPS technology, allowing collection trucks to go directly where needed. For this reason, residents must have all items at the curb prior to 6:00 a.m. on their collection day.

How much are deposits?

$150.00 Electric and $75.00 Water/Sewer.

How do I start utility service?

There is a $150 deposit for Electric/Water/Sewer and $75 deposit for Water/Sewer. Requirements for new service are:

1. If renting or leasing, please enclose first and last pages of your lease agreement.

2. Along with the application, please enclose a copy of your picture id such as a valid U.S. driver’s license, college ID, passport, or military ID.

3. A letter of credit from a current or previous utility company (electric, water, or gas only) indicating the most recent 12-month history (with no more than 2 late payments, no disconnects, and no returned checks) may be used in lieu of the required deposit. Please contact your utility company and have letter faxed directly to us at 704-920-6953.

Click here for more information about starting utility service.

Does the City accept credit card payments?

Yes. The City accepts online credit card payments for utility services.
Go to: Online Utility Payment

When are tax bills due?

September 1, however, bills are not delinquent until after January 5 of the following year.

What is the current tax rate?

$0.48 / $100 valuation.

I'm looking at purchasing a house for $150,000, what would my annual city property tax levy be on this amount?

The city's property tax rate is $0.48 per $100 valuation. On a $150,000 house, the annual levy would be $720.00.

How do I pay my property tax bill?

City and County property taxes are billed and collected by the Cabarrus County Tax Office.  

When is disconnection of past due accounts?

An account is disconnected the 45th day from the bill date. Please note that delinquent accounts are turned over to a collection agency and may affect your credit report. Click here to learn more.

When are utility bills mailed?

10th, 20th, 30th of each month.

When are utility bills due?

Upon receipt, and considered past due if not paid on the 25th day from the bill date by 2:00 p.m.

What are the current electric rates?

See Fees & Charges Schedule

What are the current basic water and sewer rates?

See Fees & Charges Schedule

How can I help my neighbor?

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program

Do you charge a "late fee"?

Yes. A Utility Late Fee of 1-1/2 percent will be charged on all unpaid balances.

Will I be billed if my electric is turned off for nonpayment?

An Administrative fee of $50.00 will be charged if service is disconnected for nonpayment.  After 4:00 PM, a $100.00 fee will be charged.

When is my bill past due?

An account is considered past due if payment has not been received by 2:00 PM on the 25th day from the bill date.

When is my bill due?

All utility bills are due and payable upon receipt. The customer has the responsibility of paying the bill within 25 days of the bill date before it is considered past due.

When is disconnection of past due accounts?

An account is disconnected the 45th day from the bill date. Please note that delinquent accounts are turned over to a collection agency and may affect your credit report. Click here to learn more.

What is the latest that I can make my payment so that it will post on the same business day?

Payments made at the kiosk are posted the same business day.

What happens if more than one check is returned for non-sufficient funds?

If more than 1 check is returned in a 60-day period of time for non-sufficient funds, your account will be coded  "CASH ONLY" for a one (1) year period of time. After one year, your account will be reviewed, and a determination made at that time.

What are alternate methods of payment?

Payments can be made by mail, in person, Market Street drop box, Automatic Bank Draft, Automatic Credit Card Draft, or by Credit Card.

If the check that I wrote for payment of my bill was returned for non-sufficient funds, what happens?

A letter will be sent stating that you have seven (7) business days to contact our office to make arrangements for repayment. Your payment will be charged back to your account with a $25.00 NSF fee added to that balance. In addition, if a response is not received by the date given on the notification letter, your account goes to "cutoff" status and an Administrative fee of $50.00 is charged.

If I make my payment in the Market Street drop box, when will it be posted to my account?

Payments are retrieved from the drop box at 8:00 am and 2:00 p.m. each business day.

Do I need my bill to make a payment?

It is recommended that you bring your bill when making payments in person, but the payment kiosk is able to search for utility accounts using an address or phone number.