A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Your City of Bloomington Utility Bill

Whether you live in Bloomington, Indiana or Bloomington, Minnesota, paying your city utility bill doesn’t have to be a hassle each month. As a resident myself, I know the frustrations of sorting through confusing statements and figuring out the best payment options.

That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide walking you through the various ways to pay your Bloomington utility bill with greater ease. Read on to learn about automatic payments, online payments, pay by phone, payment assistance and more. With these tips, you can simplify bill paying and avoid late fees.

Overview of a City of Bloomington Utility Bill

Before diving into the payment methods, let’s first look at what’s included on a standard City of Bloomington utility bill:

• Service address – The address where your water, sewer, trash etc is provided.

• Account number – Your unique customer account number for the services

• Previous balance – Any past due amount owed from prior billing periods

• Payments made – List of payments received since last bill.

• Current charges – Usage and service fees for the current billing period.

• Taxes & assessments – Local taxes and fees charged by the city.

• Total due – Final amount owed for that month’s bill including previous balance.

• Due date – Payment must be received by this date to avoid late fees.

Reviewing the different components on your bill enables you to verify accuracy and better understand what you’re paying for each month.

Pay Automatically for Convenience

The easiest way to pay your Bloomington utility bill is to set up automatic payments. This authorizes the city to withdraw your bill amount directly from your bank account each month.

To enroll in auto-pay:

• Complete the auto-pay enrollment form on the city website.
• Provide your utility account number, bank details and preferred deduction date.
• Funds will be withdrawn monthly on the due date.

Benefits of auto-pay include avoiding late fees, saving time, and not having to remember to pay each month. It provides peace of mind that your bill is always paid on time.

Pay Online for 24/7 Convenience

For fast and easy one-time payments, consider paying your Bloomington utility bill online. Most cities now offer online account access to:

• View statements and account history.
• Make instant online payments by debit/credit card or e-check.
• Receive bill reminders and confirmations by email.

To get started, visit your city’s utility billing website and register your account. Have your account number, email and billing details on hand. Paying online takes just minutes and allows paying on your schedule.

Pay by Phone in Just Minutes

Another way to pay your Bloomington utility bill is through the automated phone system. Simply call the provided utility billing number and follow the prompts to:

• Enter your account information.
• Make a payment by debit/credit card or electronic check.
• Receive instant payment confirmation.

This is a fast and easy option for those who prefer paying bills over the phone versus online. No need to write and mail checks either. Just call when it’s convenient for you.

Seek Bill Payment Assistance if Needed

Some households may qualify for financial assistance programs offered by the city, such as:

• Low-income payment plans with discounted rates.

• One-time bill credit assistance for those facing hardship.

• Extended payment due dates.

• Waiving of late fees in certain situations.

Contact your city utility department if unable to pay your bill and ask what options may be available. They can help avoid service disruptions.

Mail a Check if Preferred

Paying by check remains a popular option for those who prefer the traditional mail-in method. To pay your Bloomington utility bill by check:

• Make checks payable to your city utility department.

• Include your account number on the check memo line.

• Use the return envelope provided with your bill.

• Mail at least 7-10 days before the due date to ensure timely receipt.

• Keep the check stub or record for your files.

While paying by mail takes more planning, some customers still prefer mailing paper checks. Just be mindful of due date and mail timing to avoid late fees.

Avoid Late Fees by Paying On Time

We’ve covered the most common ways Bloomington residents pay their city utility bills. No matter which payment method you choose, the key is paying by the due date every month. Late fees and service disruptions can result from missing due dates – so be sure to pay on time!