Paying Your Utility Bill to the City of Fort Smith

Having reliable access to essential utilities like electricity, water, sewer, and sanitation is something most people expect in their homes. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, these services are provided by the city’s utility department. Paying your utility bill on time each month is an important responsibility as a resident. The City of Fort Smith offers convenient ways to pay your bill online, by phone, or in person.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about managing utility payments to the City of Fort Smith, including:

• Understanding your utility bill and charges
• Viewing your balance and payment history
• Paying online through the customer portal
• Paying by phone with automated system
• Paying in person at City Hall or authorized payment centers
• Setting up automatic payments
• Getting help with high bills or financial hardship

Read on for tips to simplify paying your City of Fort Smith utility bill each month

Overview of Fort Smith Utilities

The City of Fort Smith provides electricity, water, sewer, sanitation, and drainage services to over 88,000 residential and commercial customers in the city

The Utility Department is responsible for operating:

• Water treatment plants and distribution
• Wastewater collection and treatment
• Landfill and solid waste management
• Stormwater drainage systems
• Electric power distribution

Rates for utilities are set by the Board of Directors and based on the infrastructure and overhead costs to deliver safe, reliable service. Customers are billed monthly for their usage.

Understanding Your Fort Smith Utility Bill

Utility bills from the City of Fort Smith arrive monthly and include charges for electric, water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater services. Key elements on your bill will include:

• Account number and service address
• Previous and current meter readings
• Number of days in the billing cycle
• Usage amount for each utility (kWh, gallons, etc)
• Itemized rates and fees
• Taxes and adjustments
• Total amount due
• Due date

Reviewing the details on your bill helps you understand your household utility usage each month. Be on the lookout for sudden spikes that could indicate leaks or other issues.

If you have questions about specific fees or rates on your utility bill, contact Fort Smith Utility Customer Service for help.

Paying Your Utility Bill Online

The City of Fort Smith offers an online customer portal where residents can view bills, payment history, usage, and make payments.

To pay your utility bill online:

1. Visit www.fortsmithar.gov/resident-services/bill-pay

2. Click on “Pay Bill Online”

3. Enter your Fort Smith utility account number

4. Select whether you want to pay the total balance or a partial payment

5. Enter your payment information including credit/debit card or bank account

6. Submit payment

Payments made before 11:59pm will be applied same day. The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards. You’ll receive an emailed receipt as confirmation.

Paying Your Bill by Phone

Another way to pay your Fort Smith utility bill is through the automated phone system. To make a payment by phone:

1. Call 479-784-2201

2. Select option 3 for Utility Billing

3. Enter your 12 digit account number

4. Choose to pay full balance, minimum amount, or custom payment

5. Provide debit/credit card information when prompted

6. Enter confirmation number at end of call

The automated system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments submitted before 11:59pm reflect on your account that day.

Paying in Person at Authorized Payment Centers

If you prefer to pay your utility bill in person with cash, check or money order, you can visit:

• Fort Smith Utility Customer Service Office (Utilities Plaza, 2301 S 56th St)

• Sebastian County Courthouse (35 S 6th St)

• Fort Smith Public Library (3201 Rogers Ave)

• Central Mall Customer Service Desk (5111 Rogers Ave)

Payments made at authorized pay stations before 3:00pm Monday-Friday are applied same day. This allows you to take advantage of extended hours and multiple locations when paying in person.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

For convenient hands-free bill payment, consider enrolling in automatic payments through the City of Fort Smith. This securely drafts your bill amount from your bank account each month.

To set up automatic payments:

1. Download the eCheck Authorization form

2. Fill out your account and bank details

3. Attach a voided check

4. Mail to Utility Customer Service

You can cancel or change your auto-pay enrollment at any time by submitting an updated authorization form.

Getting Help Paying Your Utility Bill

If you are struggling financially and need help paying your Fort Smith utility bill, there are resources that may assist:

• Payment plans – The City may approve a monthly installment plan for past due balances.

• LIHEAP assistance – Federal grants help cover heating bills and emergency AC repairs.

• Nonprofit funds – Charities like Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul may provide utility bill grants.

• Budget billing – Average your costs over the year to avoid seasonal spikes.

• Energy audits – Identify ways to reduce your household energy and water usage.

Contact Fort Smith Utility Customer Service to learn more about bill assistance programs and ways to reduce your monthly charges.

Convenient Payment Options in Fort Smith