Living in Sterling comes with the usual municipal bills for utilities and services. You likely get monthly charges for water, sewer, garbage pickup, parking tickets, permits, and more. But paying your City of Sterling bills doesn’t have to be a hassle. This comprehensive guide covers your payment options, from online to in-person to mail.
We’ll outline the steps for paying common City of Sterling bills so you can manage these recurring expenses. You’ll also find tips on avoiding late fees getting payment assistance and understanding your municipal charges. Read on to learn how to easily pay any bill from the City of Sterling!
Overview of City of Sterling Bill Payment
As a Sterling resident or business owner, you may receive bills for:
- Water, sewer, and trash services
- Traffic or parking tickets
- Licenses, permits, or registrations
- Recreation program fees
- Municipal court fines
- Property taxes
- Utility hookup or disconnection fees
Payment is typically due within 30 days of the billing date. The City offers flexible options to pay your bill in person, by phone, online, or by mail. Let’s look at how to use each method.
Paying City of Sterling Bills Online
The easiest way to pay any City of Sterling bill is through the online payment portal. This allows 24/7 access from your computer or mobile device.
To pay online
- Go to www.sterling-il.gov and click “Online Payments”
- Select bill type like utilities, permits, tickets
- Enter your account number or identifying details
- Provide credit/debit card or bank account information
- Payment posts immediately
Online payments offer quick, secure processing. You can also view billing history and access account details.
Paying in Person at City Hall
For those who prefer face-to-face bill payment you can visit Sterling City Hall. In-person payments allow you to
- Pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card
- Get help with payment questions from staff
- Set up alternative payment arrangements if needed
To pay a bill at City Hall:
- Bring your printed bill or notice
- Go to the Finance Department windows
- Present your bill and payment method
- Get a printed receipt
In-person payment means direct assistance from billing staff. City Hall is open 8:30am-5pm weekdays for payments.
Paying City Bills by Phone
For quick, easy bill payment by phone, call 877-383-1639. This automated payment system allows you to:
- Pay by debit/credit card or electronic check
- Access account immediately 24/7
- Get real-time balance information
- Securely input payment info
To use the IVR phone payment:
- Call 877-383-1639
- Select bill type like utilities or permits
- Enter your account number
- Follow prompts to complete payment
Phone payment takes just minutes. It’s great for on-the-go payments when computer access isn’t available.
Paying City of Sterling Bills by Mail
To pay the old-fashioned way, you can mail a check or money order to the City. This involves printing your bill and delivering payment by post.
To pay a City bill by mail:
- Make checks payable to City of Sterling
- Write your account number on the check memo
- Mail to the payment address printed on the bill
- Allow 7-10 days for delivery before due date
Mailing a paper check gives you a payment record. Just account for mail transit time to avoid late fees.
Setting Up Recurring Payments
For convenient autopay of City of Sterling bills, enroll in automatic payments. This automatically deducts your bill from a card or bank account each month.
To set up recurring bill pay:
- Login to your online account
- Click on “Recurring Payments”
- Enter card or account details
- Select date for monthly withdrawals
Recurring payments avoid late fees and save time. You can cancel or change dates at any time through your online account.
Getting Payment Assistance
If you’re struggling to cover City bills, Sterling offers programs to help qualified residents. These include:
- Payment plans to break balances into installments
- Payment extensions to allow more time
- Aid for covering utility or water bills
- Fee waivers for low-income individuals
Contact the City Finance Department to explain your situation and see what bill assistance they can provide. They’ll work to find an option that fits your budget and needs.
Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection
To prevent penalties on municipal bills:
- Pay online or via dropbox to ensure on-time delivery
- Enroll in autopay to avoid missing due dates
- Contact the City before the due date if you’ll be late
- Set payment reminders to help remember due dates
The City may assess late fees or shut off services for overdue utility and other bills per local ordinance. Avoid disruptions and added costs by keeping accounts current.
Key Takeaways on Paying City of Sterling Bills
- Online payment is the fastest, most convenient way to pay
- Phone and mail payments also allow flexible options
- In-person payment means direct staff assistance
- Assistance programs help those struggling with bills
- Pay on time to prevent late fees or service disruption
Don’t let City bills pile up and become a headache. Use the right payment options to maintain good standing as a Sterling resident or business owner. Contact the City Finance Department with any questions on paying your municipal bills.
Sterling Bank – Bill Pay Commercial (2007)
How do I pay my utility bill in Sterling?
For questions about your sewer and/or trash service or bill, please contact the City of Sterling Finance Division. You may now view your bill, and account history, and pay your utility bills online at the Sterling Utilities Services website. You will need to create a username and password to pay your bills online.
How do I pay my utility bill online?
You may now view your bill, and account history, and pay your utility bills online at the Sterling Utilities Services website. You will need to create a username and password to pay your bills online. To cancel your utility bill or change your address please contact Illinois American Water Company at 1-800-422-2782.
How do I pay my solid waste/sewer bill?
You may pay your solid waste/sewer bill online with a debit, credit card, E-Check, or recurring credit card payment, or enroll in automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account. You may also drop off your bill in person at the Sterling City Hall, mail your bill to the City, or drop it off at the City drop box located on E 3rd Street.
What services does sterling offer?
Sterling offers outstanding services to its citizens. Whether keeping its streets safe, its parks clean, or citizens engaged, Sterling strives to provide efficient and effective services.
How does the Sterling Police Department handle accident reports?
Whether keeping its streets safe, its parks clean, or citizens engaged, Sterling strives to provide efficient and effective services. In an effort to improve the processing and delivery of accident reports, the Sterling Police Department has contracted with LexisNexis to manage and distribute its reports via the Internet.
How do I Manage my water bill?
WaterSmart allows you to easily manage your household water bill through their website. You can: View and pay your monthly water bill. Evaluate your bill by comparing it to past usage. Track your water usage over time. See how your usage compares to community averages. Detect leaks and potential problems early with emergency notifications.