Questions and Answers on Utility Service Bills

When is my Utility Service Bill sent out?
The town is divided into 3 different sections. Depending on location, bills are mailed around the 6th, 13th or 20th of each month. Email M.C.U.S or call 762-2583 for more information.

How do I get water service transferred to my name?
City Ordinance states that anyone wishing to have utility service transferred to their name needs to fill out an application for water service. This application needs to be filled out and returned to the Municipal Building before service can be transferred.

Renters, or those who reside in a mobile home park, are charged a $50 deposit that is required with the application. This deposit stays on file, and when the applicant no longer rents in Monticello, the deposit is applied to the final bill. If thefinal bill is less than $50.00, the difference is refunded.

Landlords: Please complete a Landlord Utility Service Application for each service address owned. When renter's request discontinuation, water service will be transferred back to the owner's name. The City asks that the landowners contact the Municipal building each time a renter moves in or out.

How do I get utility service transferred out of my name?
To transfer utility service, please call 762-2583 and provide a forwarding address and the name of the future customer. Service can be transferred Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you wish to have water service shut off, there is a $10.00 shut off charge and a $10.00 turn on charge. The exception is when service is disconnected for delinquent payment. When customers are disconnected for delinquent payment, a $50.00 charge is assessed, and service will be restored once the outstanding balance is paid.

Where and how can I pay my Utility Service Bill?

• Utility Service bills can be dropped off at the payment box at the Municipal Building, 210 N. Hamilton.
• Payments can be mailed to: 210 N. Hamilton, Monticello, IL 61856
• Customers can pay their bill at the First State Bank of Monticello
• Customers can pay their bills online at www.cityofmonticello.net 
• Customers have the option to sign up for Automatic Withdrawal

Automatic Bill Payment:  Tired of Writing Checks and Paying Postage?

The City of Monticello offers a free service that could make paying your utility service bills more convenient.  With the Automatic Withdrawal program, your monthly bills will be paid automatically.  The need for writing monthly checks is eliminated and you never have to worry about a payment being late, even if you are gone on vacation. 

If you are interested in this free program, the sign up forms are available at the Municipal Building and online. Please pick one up today, call to have a form mailed to you, or print it from here, Automatic Withdrawal Form. 

Once you have completed your sign up form, please submit it to the Municipal Building, 210 N. Hamilton. The City of Monticello does request you to have a zero balance on your account when you submit the form. After you are signed up, you will receive your monthly bills as normal. The withdrawal date will be printed on the bill, along with the amount to be deducted.  Behind your name on the smaller portion of the bill you will see an *, this verifies that you are signed up.  If you have questions at any time, please feel free to call 217-762-2583.

Why is my water bill so high?

Water customers in Monticello each have a water meter that is read every month.  Customers are then charged according to the actual amount of water used.  If you see an increase in your bill and you feel that your water usage habits have not changed we would first suggest your check your home for any leaks.  We do try to recognize any higher than average readings and will send water works personnel to verify the reading. 

Running toilets are the most common cause of higher water bills, even though they may not be easy to recognize.  A simple and effective way to check your toilet for a leak is to add a couple of drops of food coloring to the water in the tank of your stool.  Wait 15 - 20 minutes without flushing the toilet, and then check the water in the bowl of the toilet.  If the water in the bowl has changed color, then there is evidence that your toilet is running.

If you find that none of your toilets, sinks or faucets are leaking, you may wish to have someone from the water department meet you at your house to check for a leak.  Water works personnel do not come inside your home unless the water meter is located inside.  We do request that someone be home to make sure that there is no water being used (washing machine, dishwasher, etc).  If you would like to set up an appointment for a leak check, please contact M.C.U.S. at 762-2583.  Water works personnel are available for leak checks from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and this is a free service we offer to our customers.

Why is my bill so much higher then my neighbor's bill?

Many times neighbors like to compare water bills.  This comparison however, does not accurately reflect what may be occurring in your household.  Water usage habits vary greatly from the number to times you wash your hands, to how long your showers are.  Other factors include what type of toilet you have, the size of your washing machine, and even if you take a bath rather than a shower.  The Illinois Rural Water Association occasionally provides us with some water usage facts that show water use averages:

• Taking a bath uses 36 gallons of water.
• Showering will use from 25 to 50 gallons of water.
• It takes 20 gallons to wash dishes by hand
• 5 to 7 gallons are used per toilet flush (lower if you have a low flow toilet)

Because there are so many variables which contribute to the amount of water used, we recommend comparing your own water usage from the previous year to that of this year. 

This allows for a more accurate comparison.

I am going out of town for an extended amount of time.  Should I have my water turned off?

It is strictly the owner's decision on whether they want their water shut off while they are gone.  Here are a few things to consider: 

• If water works personnel are not notified to shut the water off at the meter pit, monthly bills will be mailed.  There may be a minimum water charge, but there still will be the normal sewer charge.
• Will there be someone checking on the house in case any problems arise?
• Does your furnace have a built in humidifier? Does your sump pump use water?  If the answer to any of these two questions is yes, you may want to leave your water on.
• If you choose to have the city shut the water off at the meter pit, there is a short disconnect application to fill out and a $10.00 turn off charge.  To reconnect water service, there is also a $10.00 charge.  No bills will be mailed while water service is disconnected.

If you choose to leave the water on, we recommend you leave a contact person and their phone number with the water department.  This can prove useful if we notice any problems, such as an increase in water usage even if the house is vacant.  We cannot guarantee that we will recognize a problem, but if we become suspicious, it is best if we can notify someone as soon as possible.  Even though water works personnel turn the water off at the meter pit, an extra precaution would be to shut the water off at the valve inside your home.  When you know the date water should be turned back on contact M.C.U.S. at 762-2583.  Water works personnel are available to shut off or turn on your water 7-4, Monday through Friday, but it is best if you call to set up a time to do so.