A Guide to Paying Your Cedar Rapids Utility Bill

As a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you receive essential services like water, sewer, stormwater management, and trash/recycling from the city’s Municipal Utilities department When your bi-monthly Cedar Rapids utility bill arrives, it’s important to pay it on time to avoid any service interruptions

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the numerous payment options offered by the city to keep your utilities account current

Overview of Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities

The Municipal Utilities department provides water, sewer, stormwater, and sanitation services to Cedar Rapids residents and businesses. Utilities like water, sewer, and trash pickup are vital to community health and the environment.

Some key facts about Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities:

• Provides services to over 130,000 residents
• Operates the water treatment plant, wastewater facility, landfill, and stormwater system
• Employs over 200 staff across the various utility divisions
• Governed by the Cedar Rapids City Council
• Overseen by the Utilities Director and department managers

Payment Options for Municipal Utilities Bills

The City of Cedar Rapids offers numerous options for paying your municipal utilities bill conveniently:

• Online payments
• Phone payments
• In-person payments
• Dropbox payments
• Mail-in payments
• AutoPay programs

Let’s outline the details for each payment method

Paying Online

The easiest way to pay is online through the Cedar Rapids Customer Portal. Here’s how to pay your utility bill online:

• Visit www.cedar-rapids.org and go to the Pay Your Utilities Bill page
• Select “Access Customer Portal”
• Register your account if first time user
• Log in then select “Make Payment”
• Choose a payment method – eCheck, credit/debit card, PayPal
• Enter payment info and submit

Online payments post to your account within 1-2 days. It’s fast, secure, and convenient 24/7.

Paying by Phone

To pay by phone, call toll-free 1-888-821-2215 and provide your utility account number and payment details. Options include:

• eCheck with no fees
• Debit card
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex)

Phone payments are easy, taking just a few minutes when you have your information ready.

Paying In Person

To pay your utility bill in person with cash, check or money order, visit:

• Local Walmart Money Services counters
• Select Hy-Vee stores – check payments only

Funds paid in person post to your account within 1-3 days.

Using a Dropbox

The city offers drive-up and walk-up utility payment dropboxes:

• Walk-up: City Hall, 101 1st St SE
• Drive-up: Water Admin Building, 1111 Shaver Rd NE

Include your payment stub and drop off by noon for same-day posting.

Mailing In Your Payment

Mail checks or money orders to:

Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities
PO Box 3255
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3255

Allow 7-10 days for standard mail delivery and processing.

Signing Up for AutoPay

For hassle-free payments, enroll in AutoPay through the Customer Portal. Your bill amount is automatically deducted from your bank account each period.

AutoPay means no late fees or lapses in service. Payments deduct on the due date for on-time posting.

Payment Tips & Helpful Reminders

Follow these tips when paying your Cedar Rapids utility bill:

• Check your balance online before due date
• Pay early to avoid late fees if mailing check
• Notify the city if contact information changes
• Contact customer service with any bill questions
• Set payment reminders to avoid missed payments
• Use AutoPay for easy recurring payments

Paying on time keeps your account active and avoids extra fees or penalties. Use the convenient options above to pay your Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities bill.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities partners with Paymentus to provide various payment means and formats. Through Paymentus, they accept:

• ACH/eCheck – with no transaction fees
• Debit card
• Credit card – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
• PayPal

So you have flexibility to pay how you want – online, phone, mail, or in person.

How Do I Pay Online?

Paying online through the Cedar Rapids Customer Portal is easy:

1. Visit www.cedar-rapids.org and select “Access Customer Portal”

2. Register your account if first time user

3. Log in and choose “Make Payment”

4. Select payment method – eCheck, debit/credit card, PayPal

5. Enter your details and submit payment

Online payments process in 1-2 business days.

What Are In-Person Payment Locations?

To pay in cash, check, or money order in person, go to:

• Local Walmart Money Services counters
• Select Hy-Vee stores – check payment only

Hy-Vee stores accepting check payments:

• 1843 Johnson Ave. NW
• 20 Wilson Ave. SW
• 4035 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE
• 1556 1st Ave. NE

Allow 1-3 days for in-person payments to process.

What Should I Know About Dropbox Payments?

For non-cash payments, use the handy payment drop boxes:

• City Hall – Walk-up box at 101 1st St SE

• Water Admin Building – Drive-up box at 1111 Shaver Rd NE

Include your payment stub and drop off by 12pm for same-day processing.

How Do I Sign Up for AutoPay?

Enrolling in AutoPay payments through the Customer Portal is easy:

1. Log into your account

2. Go to Billing & Payments

3. Select AutoPay Program

4. Enter your bank account information

5. Confirm your enrollment

Your bill will be paid automatically on the due date every billing period.

What If I Have Questions About My Bill?

If you have any questions about charges on your utility bill, contact Cedar Rapids Municipal Utilities Customer Service:

Phone: 319-286-5900

Email: [email protected]

The friendly staff can explain your bill, account history, payment options, and any other questions!

Stay current on paying your Cedar Rapids utility bill by using the convenient online, phone, mail, or in-person payment options. Sign up for AutoPay to make bill payment easy and automatic each billing period.