Living in the city of Lumberton, NC comes with the responsibility of paying your utility and tax bills on time However, with so many payment options available, it can get confusing to figure out the best method. In this article, I’ll walk through all the ways Lumberton residents can pay their city bills conveniently online, by phone, or in person
As a longtime Lumberton resident and homeowner, I’ve paid my fair share of electric, water, sewer, sanitation, and property tax bills to the city. Over the years, I’ve tried every payment option Lumberton offers. Based on my experience, I’ll explain the pros and cons of each method so you can choose what works best for your needs.
Whether you prefer the ease of automated payments, need to pay immediately to avoid service interruption, or have your payment rejected online, this guide has you covered. I’ll also provide tips for avoiding late fees and keeping your Lumberton utility accounts in good standing.
Online Bill Payments
The city of Lumberton allows residents to pay their utility and tax bills conveniently on the Online Bill Pay website. To get started, you’ll need your account number and billing zip code handy.
Pros
- Available 24/7 so you can pay anytime
- Fast and easy online payment process
- Can setup recurring payments to avoid late bills
Cons
- Transaction fees apply for payments by debit/credit card
- Online payments can take 1-2 business days to process
I like to use the online system to schedule automatic monthly payments for my utilities. This gives me peace of mind that my bills will always be paid on time, avoiding any late fees. The online portal also makes it easy to see my payment history at a glance.
Phone Payments
Lumberton provides a toll-free automated phone payment system at 866-734-8607. You’ll need your account number and billing zip code to process payments by phone.
Pros
- Can pay by phone 24/7 by automated system
- Quick and convenient for one-time payments
- Immediate payment processing
Cons
- Speaking to a customer service rep requires calling during business hours
- Payment by debit/credit card incurs transaction fees
I use the automated phone payment option as a backup if I ever have trouble with the online system or need to make a same day payment. The automated process makes it just as fast and easy as paying online.
In-Person Payments
For utility bills that are past due or already disconnected, the only option is to pay in person at the Lumberton Customer Service building at 500 N. Cedar Street.
Payments must be made by cash or money order. Credit/debit cards are not accepted for reconnection of disconnected service.
Pros
- Immediate processing and reconnection for shut off services
- Avoid online transaction fees
- Get account support from customer service staff
Cons
- Very limited hours – only Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
- Must visit in person which is less convenient
I’ve had to pay at the customer service building when my payment didn’t process properly online once before. Thankfully they were able to get my utilities immediately reconnected once I paid in person, avoiding any major disruptions.
Reconnection Policies for Disconnected Service
If your utilities have been disconnected due to non-payment, Lumberton has strict policies for reconnecting service:
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Same day reconnection requires in-person payment by cash or money order before 5PM Monday-Friday.
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If you call for reconnection after regular business hours, a $80.25 charge and deposit update is required. You must still visit in person to pay by 9AM the next business day.
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If not paid by 9AM, your service will be disconnected again and further reconnection fees will apply.
As you can see, it’s crucial to keep up with bills to avoid service interruptions. The reconnection process can become complex and expensive if you fall behind on payments.
Tips to Avoid Late Fees
As a Lumberton resident, I know how easy it is to forget a bill payment date and get stuck with late fees. Here are my top tips to avoid paying unnecessary late charges:
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Enroll in paperless billing and automated payments to ensure on-time payments.
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Mark payment due dates on your calendar and set payment reminders.
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If a payment fails online, follow up immediately by phone or in-person.
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Keep your utility account contact information up-to-date to receive important notices.
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Monitor your account online to catch any issues early.
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Contact customer service before your payment is late if you anticipate issues paying on time.
Automating your recurring utility payments is by far the easiest way to avoid headaches. But staying proactive with your account can help catch any problems before they escalate into service disruptions and reconnection fees.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
Lumberton provides flexibility in how you pay your utility and tax bills:
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Online – e-Checks (no fees) and debit/credit cards (third-party fees apply)
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Phone – e-Checks and debit/credit cards
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In person – Cash, check, money order only
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Mail – Personal check or money order made payable to “City of Lumberton”
Keep in mind that credit/debit card payments incur third-party convenience fees both online and by phone. I recommend electronic checks to avoid extra fees if paying online.
What Bills Can Be Paid Online or By Phone?
Lumberton’s automated payment systems accept the following bill types:
- Electric service
- Water/sewer service
- Sanitation/recycling
- Stormwater fee
- Property taxes
- Vehicle taxes
- Privilege licenses
The online and phone tools allow paying any of your city bills in just a few quick steps.
For other special invoices like event facility rentals, airport hangar rentals, or fire inspection fees, you may need to call the appropriate city department directly for payment options.
Key Things to Know About Paying Your Lumberton Bills
To sum up the key points for effectively managing your Lumberton utility and tax bills:
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Pay online for the most convenience and to automate recurring payments
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Use phone payments as a backup for one-off bills or if online issues arise
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Pay in person immediately if your service is already disconnected
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Avoid late fees by tracking due dates closely and addressing any payment issues quickly
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Keep your account updated with current contact info to get important notices
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Cash or money order only for in-person payments and reconnections after service disruptions
