Utility Billing

You have 3 options with the online payment: you may pay from your checking account, your savings account, or a credit card.

Please note: these services are provided by outside financial service companies and have a cost associated with them. They charge 2.5% of the total transaction. A typical $66 payment will cost $1.65. Billing information must be entered exactly as it appears on your invoice or statement to ensure proper credit to your account.

Mail

You may mail your payment to:
La Center City Hall at 210 E. 4th Street, La Center, WA 98629

In-Person

Payments also accepted at this location between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. For your convenience, a drop box is located outside to the right of the front door. Please do not leave cash payments in our drop-box.

Direct Pay

This is a monthly automatic payment from your personal checking or savings account. This service is available at no charge for your convenience. You will still receive a regular monthly bill and the automatic payment will show on your bank statement as a regular transaction. Some of the benefits with Direct Pay are that you will never have to worry about your payment getting lost in the mail or about forgetting to make the payment. Just as important, you can save on postage and pay your bill when you’re out of town.

To sign-up, complete and return a Direct Pay Authorization form along with a voided check to the address on the form. The direct pay will begin in 2 to 3 weeks so you might need to make one more payment while you are waiting for the direct Pay service to begin. That’s it! Future bills will be paid via automatic withdrawal.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Administrative Specialist, Alex Richter.

Rates

Effective January 1, 2015 the monthly sewer charge per equivalent residential unit (ERU) is $66 per month.

Discounted Rates for Low-Income Citizens

The city provides a low-income utility rate (sewer and/or
storm water) based on annual income qualifications and household size for
residents.  The annual limit in determining the reduce rate is based on
the HHS Poverty Guidelines for Clark County, using 125% of the poverty level
annual income for a 50% discounted rate and 200% of the poverty level annual
income for a 35% discounted rate to qualify individuals for state-funded
economic resources. 

In order to qualify, all household occupants must provide
copies of the previous year’s Federal tax returns or proof of taxable income,
i.e., Social Security Benefits, Retirement or Pension.  Annual renewal is
required.

If you or somebody you know may qualify for this program,
please contact Desi Allinger-Nelson, Finance Department, at 360-263-8656 for
more information.

Delinquencies

Bills are delinquent if not received by the due date. Delinquent accounts are subject to late penalties, service charges, notice to a collection agency and/or property lien.

Property Liens/Collection Agency

Accounts that are over 30-days delinquent will be charged a 8% penalty. Once the bill is over 60-days delinquent you will be mailed a Property Lien Notice. It is extremely important that you note this final date as no further notices will be given. If payment is not received by the due dated indicated, a property lien will be filed and the account will be turned over to a collection agency. Additional charges for the Lien Filing Fee will be levied on the account. The property lien will not be released until the past due portion of the account and the added fees have been paid in full.

Declined Payment Fee

There will be a $10 fee charged to the account for any declined payment.

Sewer Emergencies

Business Hours: 6:00am – 4:30pm
Cell Phone: 360-605-2269

Contact Our Team

Administrative Specialist: Alex Richter
Wastewater Operator:  Bill Birdwell
Wastewater Operator:  Emery Oldham