How to Pay Your City of Fargo Utility Bill Online, by Phone, or In-Person

If you’re a City of Fargo utility customer you likely receive a monthly bill for services like water sewer, garbage collection, and more. Paying this utility bill promptly each billing cycle is important to avoid late fees, service interruption, and other headaches. Luckily, the City of Fargo offers numerous convenient ways to pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in-person.

This comprehensive guide will explain the various payment options available, tips for understanding your utility bill, setting up autopay, going paperless, and more. Paying your City of Fargo utility bill can be quick and easy by taking advantage of their modern payment systems.

Why Paying On Time Matters

Before getting into the step-by-step instructions for paying your bill let’s review why it’s essential to pay the amount due by the due date each month

• Avoid late payment penalties – The City charges fees for overdue bills
• Prevent service disconnection – Past due accounts may have water or garbage service turned off
• Maintain good credit – Not paying bills negatively impacts your credit score
• Avoid collections – If too far past due, accounts go to collections agencies
• Keep services flowing – Paying on time keeps your water, sewer, garbage and other City services uninterrupted

So be sure to open your utility bill as soon as it arrives, understand the charges, and pay the total due on time. Mark your calendar with reminders if needed.

Understanding Your City of Fargo Utility Bill

When you receive your new bill, take a minute to review the various sections and charges to ensure you understand what you’re being billed for. Key areas include:

• Account number
• Service address
• Billing date range
• Meter readings for water/sewer
• Water and sewer usage and fees
• Garbage and recycling fees
• Storm sewer fees
• Taxes and surcharges
• Billing total

Contact the City Utility Billing department at 701-241-1565 if you have any questions about specific charges or calculations on your bill. Understanding the costs will help you budget and pay on time.

Ways to Pay Your City of Fargo Utility Bill

The City offers several ways to pay your utility bill conveniently including:

Pay Online

The fastest option is to pay online through the City’s secure payment portal. Sign in or set up an account to view your balance and pay by credit/debit card or e-check from your bank account.

Pay by Phone

Call 701-241-1565 to make a payment by phone using your checking account number. Have your account number ready when you call.

Pay by Mail

Mail a check or money order payable to City of Fargo Utility Billing to:

City of Fargo Utilities
200 3rd St N
Fargo, ND 58102

Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process. Include your remittance slip or write your account number on the check.

Pay In-Person

Visit Fargo City Hall at 225 4th St N to pay your utility bill in-person Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with cash, check, or credit/debit card.

AutoPay

Sign up to have your bill paid automatically each month on the due date via bank account withdrawal. Enroll online or complete an autopay form.

Payment Plan

If struggling to pay, call 701-241-1565 to explain your situation and request a payment plan to spread out the balance over multiple months.

Payment Assistance

Payment assistance programs like LIHEAP may cover part of your bill if you meet low income requirements. Contact the utility billing department to learn more.

Tips for Managing Your City Utility Account

Here are some tips for staying on top of your City of Fargo utility account and payments:

• Sign up for paperless billing to receive bills electronically
• Enroll in autopay to have payments automatically withdrawn each month
• Update your contact information to receive important notices
• Monitor your usage through the online portal
• Take steps to reduce water usage and adopt energy efficiency
• Schedule bill pay reminders on your calendar so you never forget
• Compare water rates if you have a private utility provider

Actively managing your City of Fargo utility account ensures you avoid fees, keep your services connected, and simplify bill payment each month.

What If You Can’t Pay on Time?

If you find yourself unable to pay your City of Fargo utility bill in full by the due date, don’t panic. Call the utility billing department at 701-241-1565 as soon as possible to explain your situation and request:

• Payment plan – Set up installments to pay the balance over several months
• Payment assistance – If eligible, programs can help cover all or part of the bill
• Payment extension – Ask for a few extra days to pay your bill in full
• Budget billing – Pay a fixed amount each month based on average usage

As long as you are proactive in communicating about your inability to pay, the City will work with you to avoid service disconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about paying City of Fargo utility bills:

What are the ways I can pay my utility bill?

You can pay online, by phone, mail, auto draft, in-person at City Hall, or at payment kiosks located around the city.

When is my utility bill due?

Your bill is due by the due date printed on your monthly statement, usually around the 20th of the month.

What happens if I pay late?

The City charges late fees on past due balances and may disconnect service after multiple months of non-payment.

Can I set up autopay?

Yes, you can sign up for automatic monthly payments on your due date from a checking/savings account.

How do I apply for bill payment assistance?

Contact the utility billing department about enrolling in LIHEAP or other financial assistance programs if you are struggling to pay.