Living in the city of Bismarck comes with various municipal services that require payment of bills to the city government. This includes utilities like water, sewer, garbage collection, as well as parking tickets, permits, licenses and more. Paying your City of Bismarck bills promptly and correctly is an important responsibility as a resident. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the details on how and where you can pay any bills owed to the city government.
Overview of City of Bismarck Bill Payment Responsibilities
As a resident of Bismarck, you are responsible for paying for any services provided by the city government that require fees or charges. Common city bills include:
- Water and sewer utility bills
- Garbage and recycling collection fees
- Parking citations
- Dog licenses
- Building permits
- Business licenses
- False alarm fees
- Special event permits
- Park shelter rentals
- Recreation program fees
Failing to pay these bills can result in late fees, service disruption, collections actions, or other penalties depending on the type of bill. So ensuring you pay promptly is crucial.
Payment Options Offered by the City
The City of Bismarck offers several convenient options for paying any municipal bills you may have:
Online Payments
The city allows online payments through their website for the following:
- Water/sewer bills
- Parking citations
- Dog licenses
- Shelter rentals
- Recreation program registration
You can pay by debit/credit card or e-check. One-time or recurring payments can be setup.
By Phone
Call 701-355-1300 to pay the following bills via phone
- Water/sewer bills
- Parking citations
Automated system accepts card payments. Speaking to a representative is also an option.
By Mail
You can mail payments for any city bills to:
City of BismarckPO Box 5503Bismarck ND 58506-5503
Do not mail cash.
Drop Boxes
The City Finance Department has two drop box locations to drop off payments by check or money order:
- City/County Building (221 N 5th St) – by main entrance
- Public Works Building (601 S 26th St) – by cashier’s window
In Person
Pay in person at the City Finance Department in the City/County Building at 221 N 5th St. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or card.
Late Fees and Disconnection Policies
It is crucial to pay your City of Bismarck bills by the stated due date to avoid penalties such as
-
Water/sewer bills – 10% late fee if not paid within 25 days of billing. Shutoff may occur after 60 days past due.
-
Parking citations – Late fee after 30 days. Collections or vehicle immobilization after 90 days.
-
Business licenses – $100 late fee after renewal deadline. Suspension or revocation possible.
-
Dog licenses – $20 late fee after renewal deadline. Citations possible.
Review due dates closely and make on-time payments to avoid added fees or disruption of services.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you are having difficulty paying your city bills, Bismarck offers some assistance programs, including:
-
Water/sewer bill discounts for qualifying low income residents
-
Payment plans for parking citations
-
Ability to perform community service to waive eligible parking fines
Check if you qualify for any assistance with city bill payments if needed.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
Be aware that scammers sometimes pose as city utilities and threaten disconnection if immediate payment is not made over the phone via gift cards or other unusual means. Hang up immediately if this occurs, and call the city billing office directly to report fraudulent activity and verify if disconnection is truly imminent.
The City of Bismarck will never show up in person and disconnect service without providing written notice well in advance giving you time to pay or make arrangements.
Moving Out of Bismarck
If you are moving out of Bismarck, you must close out any final bills owed to the city and provide a forwarding address. This includes:
- Settling final water/sewer bill
- Paying any unpaid parking fines
- Renewing or cancelling business licenses
Failure to close accounts can result in bills sent to collections or franchise fees withheld if you own a business.
Accessing Online Account Histories
You can access prior city utility bills and make payments through the online customer portal on the city website. Viewing past bills can help you monitor usage and check for errors.
Communication is Key
Contact the appropriate city department promptly if you have any questions about a bill or are unable to make a payment on time. Maintaining open communication helps avoid unnecessary penalties or service disruption.
Paying bills to the City of Bismarck is straightforward when you understand the process. Use this guide to pay your city bills correctly and on time. Our city departments rely on this revenue to continue providing quality services to residents, so do your part by paying what you owe. Let us know if you need any assistance!
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Covering Mesa: Bill Pay Kiosks
How do I pay my bills in Bismarck?
The City of Bismarck offers several convenient ways for customers to pay their bills. Choose the option that best matches your needs and schedule: Online – Pay via the online payment portal on the City’s website. Fast and secure. Phone – Call the payment line or use the automated phone system. Available 24/7.
What does Bismarck City Public Works Water Department do?
Bismarck City Public Works Water Department Provides water, sewer, household refuse collection, and street light maintenance services to the Mandan, North Dakota community. Looking for Bismarck Water Department billing, payments & services? Quickly find Water Dept phone number, directions & more (Bismarck, ND).
When is Bismarck City water billed?
Bismarck City Water is billed on a cycle basis, three times a month, on or around the 10th, 20th and 30th. The first 2 numbers of your account indicate when you will be billed. What are the payment options to pay my water bills?
What services does the city of Bismarck provide?
The City of Bismarck provides essential services like water, sewer garbage collection and more to residents and businesses. To continue receiving uninterrupted service, customers must pay their City of Bismarck bills on time each month or quarter.
How does auto pay work in Bismarck?
Auto-pay ensures your bill gets paid on time without any effort on your part. Just monitor your account to prevent insufficient funds fees. City of Bismarck utility bills are due on the 15th of each month. Payments received after that date incur a penalty up to 10% of the balance due. Avoid late fees by paying as soon as you receive your new bill.
Who provides Bismarck water?
Bismarck has multiple water providers: City Of Bismarck Water and South Central Regional Water – North Burleigh. This page provides information about City Of Bismarck Water. The City of Bismarck Water, under the City Department of Public Works, provides water for about 72,417 residents living in the area of Bismarck, North Dakota.