Paying Your Sewer Bill in St. Joseph, Missouri

Living in St. Joseph, Missouri comes with the responsibility of paying your sewer bill. This article will explain everything you need to know about paying your sewer bill in St. Joseph, from understanding your bill to the different payment options available.

Overview of Sewer Billing in St. Joseph

The city of St. Joseph is responsible for collecting sewer payments from both residential and commercial customers within the city limits Customers outside the city limits pay a different rate and are considered part of a sewer district

Sewer billing is handled by the city’s Utility Billing department. They send out sewer bills, collect payments and handle customer service issues related to billing.

Receiving and Understanding Your Sewer Bill

If you live in St. Joseph, you’ll receive a sewer bill in the mail on a regular basis. Sewer bills are typically sent out monthly.

Your sewer bill shows your sewer charges based on your usage. It also includes any prior unpaid balances.

On your St Joseph sewer bill, you’ll see

• Your account number
• Service address
• Billing date
• Previous balance
• Payments received
• Current sewer charges
• Taxes and fees
• Total amount due
• Due date

Usage is typically calculated based on your water usage, as most customers in St. Joseph are not separately metered for sewage. Your sewer charges are based on the amount of water used, as this water ends up as wastewater that must be treated.

If anything looks incorrect on your bill, contact the city’s Utility Billing department right away to get it sorted out.

Payment Options for Paying Your Sewer Bill

The city of St. Joseph offers several options for paying your sewer bill, including:

Pay by Mail

You can mail in a payment to:

City of St. Joseph Utility Billing
P.O. Box 411458
Kansas City, MO 64141

Be sure to include your payment stub from your bill to ensure proper crediting to your account. Allow enough time for your payment to reach them by the due date.

Pay In Person

You can pay your sewer bill in person at St. Joseph City Hall:

1100 Frederick Avenue
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Payments are accepted at the Customer Service counter in Room 101A. You can pay with cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

Pay Online

The city allows online bill payment through their website. You can pay with a credit card or electronic check.

To pay online, go to www.stjosephmo.gov and click on “Online Payments.” You can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments.

Please note that as of January 1, 2021, the city charges fees for online and credit card payments to cover processing costs. There are no fees for payments directly from your bank account.

Pay by Phone

You can pay your St. Joseph sewer bill over the phone using the automated payment system. Call 816-271-5300 and select the payment option. You’ll need to provide your account number and credit/debit card information. Fees apply to phone payments.

Pay at Other Locations

Some authorized payment locations in St. Joseph allow you to pay your sewer bill in person for a small $1.50 convenience fee. This includes places like Hy-Vee and Price Chopper.

No matter how you choose to pay, be sure to pay the amount due by the due date listed on your bill to avoid late fees or service disruption. If you are unable to pay on time, contact the city immediately to discuss payment plan options.

Setting Up Recurring Payments

For convenience, many customers in St. Joseph set up recurring automatic payments. This allows your sewer bill to be paid automatically each month from your bank account or credit card.

To set up recurring payments through the city’s online payment system, you’ll need to create an account. Provide your contact information, email, and payment source details.

Once set up, you don’t have to worry about missing payments! The system will withdraw the amount due directly from your chosen account each month.

Recurring automatic payments are a great hassle-free way to pay your St. Joseph sewer bill. Just be sure to update your payment method information if your account details change.

Getting Assistance with Sewer Bills

If you are having trouble paying your sewer bill in St. Joseph, contact the city right away. They may be able to help in a few ways:

• Payment plans – Set up a monthly payment plan to pay your balance over time.

• Payment extensions – Get a short extension on your due date if needed.

• Budget billing – Pay a fixed amount each month based on your average usage.

• Assistance programs – Apply for financial hardship assistance if you qualify.

The city would much rather set up a solution than disconnect your sewer service for non-payment. Be proactive in reaching out for help with your sewer bills if needed.

Contacting the City About Your Sewer Service

For any questions about your sewer service, bills, or payments, contact the city of St. Joseph Utility Billing department:

Phone: 816-271-4773

Email: Contact email form on city website

Address: 1100 Frederick Ave, Room 201, St. Joseph, MO 64501

The Utility Billing office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. The staff can answer billing questions, take payments, set up payment plans, update account information, and more.

Understanding Sewer Service Issues and Responsibilities

As a sewer customer, it’s important to understand sewer backups and liability when it comes to problems.

If a sewer line on your private property gets clogged or backs up, it is typically your responsibility to get it unclogged and repaired. Homeowner’s insurance may cover damages.

If the public sewer main line backs up and causes damages, you should file a claim with the city. They are responsible for maintaining public sewer infrastructure.

Be sure to document any sewer backups or overflows on your property right away. Report any public sewer issues to the city so they can investigate and make repairs.

We all have to pay sewer bills as part of living in a community like St. Joseph. By understanding your bill, the payment options available, and getting help when needed, paying your sewer bill can be hassle-free. Reach out to the city Utility Billing department if you ever have any questions or issues arise with your sewer service or billing. They are available to provide customer support and can find solutions if you get behind on payments. Be a responsible sewer customer by paying your bills on time or seeking assistance if needed.