Utility Bills, Fees, City Taxes, Licenses and Deposits

Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions of the City. These functions include utility billing, accounts payable, accounting and financial reporting, delinquent tax bills, payroll, business licensing, cash receipts, cash management, as well as numerous other functions.

We are now proud to offer a secure, user-friendly method for paying monthly utility bills from the privacy of your own home. Features include:

Click here to Pay Your Bill Online

Southport City Hall
1029 N. Howe Street
Southport, NC 28461
Office Hours: Monday – Friday,  8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
(910) 457-7900

Finance Divisions

  • Human Resources
  • Tax Department
  • Customer Service
  • Accounting
  • Utility Billing

Finance Staff

Finance Director, Melanie Trexler
(910) 457-7906   |   Email Melanie

Accounts Payable, Kaitlyn Boyd
(910) 457-7964   |   Email Kaitlyn

Tax Collector, Angie Bates
(910) 457-7920   |   Email Angie

Utility Billing, Teresa Jones
(910) 457-7944   |   Email Teresa

Human Resources/Payroll,
Teresa Parker-Mosley,
Tel: (910) 457-7910  |   Email Teresa

Customer Service,
Tori Deviney
Tel: (910) 457-7900 x 1  |  Email Tori

Finance Documents

Utilities   Budgets  Audits
Request for Utility Service
Utility Application Residential
Utility Application Commercial
Bank Draft Form
Irrigation Meter Checklist
Change of Service Form
Load Management Packet
NEW Load Management Through Smart Thermostat Packet
NC Residential Electric Rates Survey
NCEMPA information*		 Budget FY 2018-2019
Budget FY 2017-2018
Budget FY 2016-2017
Budget FY 2015-2016		 Annual Audit 2016-17
Annual audit 2015-16
Annual audit 2014-15
Annual audit 2013-14
Annual audit 2012-13
Annual audit 2011-12
Annual audit 2010-11
Annual audit 2009-10

ElectriCities is the service organization that provides customer service and safety training, emergency and technical assistance, communications, government affairs and legal services to public power communities. ElectriCities also provides and management services to the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA), of which Southport is a member.

Taxes

Current City Tax Rate
$0.2956 per $100 of
assessed property value**

Current year Southport City Taxes are collected by the Brunswick County Tax Collector. For questions about your current tax bill contact them at:

Brunswick County Tax Collection
Phone: 910.253.2729
Toll Free: 800.222.0593
tax-admin@brunsco.net
Brunswick Co. Tax Records

2019 Application for Property Tax Relief

Occupancy Tax Application

Utility Billing Information

Utility Service and Billing Information

  • Utility bills are mailed out at the end of each month.
  • A bill is past due if not paid by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month – unless the 15th falls on weekend or holiday, then it is due on the next business day.
  • A late notice will be mailed to customers with past due bills on the 16th of each month – unless the 16th falls on the weekend or holiday, then the late notice will be mailed on the next business day.
  • A delinquent fee of $35 is automatically added to the bill after the 25th.The past due bill and all fees must be paid before service is reconnected (See Utility Fees & Deposits).  NOTE: A delinquent fee of $70 will be added for sewer customers with county provided water.
  •  An additional fee of $50.00 will be charged to all customers who request water service reconnection after 3:30  PM.
  • Customers who feel their bill is in error or otherwise have reason to protest the termination of utility service may contact the Finance Office Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 am. and 5 p.m. at (910)457-7900.
  • Billing Adjustments: If the City has inadvertently overcharged or undercharged a customer for utility service, the City will promptly notify the customer.
  • Water & Sewer Adjustments: In the case where a leak takes place on the customer’s side of the meter that results in water not being discharged into the sanitary sewer, the customer may apply for an adjustment on sewer charges by presenting the City a note from a licensed plumber stating the leak had been fixed and the water did not flow into the sewer.
  • If sevice is turned off and reconnection is requested in the same name or immediate family member name within 11 months, the base rate plus reconnection fee will be charged.
  • After Hours Payment Drop Box: For customer convenience, a payment drop box is located outside City Hall at 1029 N. Howe Street, in front of the Inspection Office and at 201 E. Moore Street, outside the old City Hall. A check and billing stub may be deposited in the box. Please do not deposit cash in the after hours depository. Payments put in the box after 10:00 a.m. will be considered next-day payments.
  • Meter Tampering is Against the Law! Do not turn on or deface your utility meter. North Carolina state law allows the utility provider, the City of Southport, to prosecute in a court of law for meter tampering. The City Board’s adopted penalty for meter tampering is a $250.00 fine. Contact the finance department at 1029 N Howe Street, 910-457-7900, immediately if your meter has been turned off or removed.
  • Damage to Water Meter:  Customer will be responsible for the cost to replace or repair a damaged water meter.

The City’s Response to Returned Checks

  • The city will accept only cash, certified check or money order from any customer having 2 insufficient funds (bad) checks within any 1 year period.
  • Upon receipt of the 2nd returned check, the customer will be advised that ALL bills must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order for the next year.
  • After the 1 year period ends, if another insufficient funds check is received all future bills must be paid in cash.
  • As allowed by the State of North Carolina, a $35 charge is added to the customer’s bill for each returned check. (See Utility Fees & Deposits)

Extension of Time for Payment of Bills

  • Extension requests must be made no later than 5 p.m. on the 25th by the customer or are subject to disconnection.
  • The customer requesting the extension must come in or call the Finance Office at City Hall.
  • No more than 3 extension agreements will be granted in a 12-month period.

If payment is not made as stated in the Payment Extension Agreement, service will be disconnected without further notice and all payments, including any disconnect and reconnect fees must be paid before service is restored.

Optional Customer Assistance: Customers being assisted by the Brunswick County Department of Social Services, Brunswick Family Assistance, or other local crisis intervention centers are exceptions to this policy.

Difficulty in Paying Bill: The following organizations may be able to offer assistance to customers who are having difficulty paying their bill.

Brunswick Family Assistance Agency
5285 Main St Suite 15
Shallotte, NC 28462
(910) 754-4766

Social Services
Brunswick County Government ComplexBolivia, NC 28422
Southport Number: (910) 457-6227
Bolivia Number: (910) 253-2077

Local Community Churches

The City of Southport encourages each customer to seek assistance with paying their utility bill prior to disconnection of service.

Options in Billing Payments

To better serve the needs of its customers, the City of Southport offers the following options to bill payments.

Bank Draft Plan: Bank drafts offer customers the option of having their bank accounts debited on the 15th of the month (or on the next banking business day) for utility bills. The customer needs to provide the City of Southport Finance Department with a completed draft form and a voided check in order to participate. Any draft returned by the bank because of insufficient funds or a closed account will be treated as a returned check and the customer will be released from the bank draft program.  E-Checks are no longer accepted online or by telephone.

Credit Cards: The City of Southport accepts VISA, Discover and MasterCard bank credit or debit cards for bill payments, deposits or fees. The City will accept a credit/debit card for payment in person, on our website at www.southportnc.org or by phone at (910)363-1002.  We will verify each charge or debit account with the issuing bank.
NOTE: A $5 convenience fee will apply to Utility Bills paid online and by telephone.

Load Management Program

It is possible to save on your electric bill by having load management switches installed on your electric water heaters, central air conditioning systems, or heat pump heating/cooling systems.

  • There is no cost to install a switch.
  • Water heaters are controlled 12 months of the year.
  • Air conditioning units are usually controlled from May through October.
  • All load management switches are installed by a licensed electrician.
  • If you disconnect your load management switch, your electric rate will revert to a higher rate.

A detailed description of the load management program is here.

Termination of Service

Requesting Discontinuation of Service: Any customer requesting discontinuation of service shall do so in person at the Finance Office.

  • The service location, date service is to be disconnected, and a forwarding mailing address for the final bill are required.
  • If the customer is not able to appear in person, we can disconnect the account via fax request (910) 457-7905 or upon verification of account.
  • Disconnection of services will be performed the same day if the request is received by 1 p.m. A request received after 1 p.m. will be fulfilled the next working day.

Final Utility Bill

  • A customer’s final bill will be processed and mailed along with the regular billing cycle .
  • All funds, including deposits, load management, and overcharge credits will be used against amounts owed the City on the closed account.
  • Remaining funds will then be used against any amounts owed on any other accounts the customer may have with the City of Southport.

CUSTOMER RIGHTS

1. Request his/her deposit be refunded, providing bills are paid promptly as defined in section entitled Definition of Good Credit, or discontinues service from the City.

2. Request, free of charge, historic billing and usage information.

3. If a utility department cannot find any reason for usage changes, the customer may request one (1) free meter test per year. The customer has a right to the results of this test. A fee will be charged for additional meter tests. See Fee Schedule.

4. Request a review of any complaint according to the grievance procedure.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To establish credit in at least one or more of the following ways:
a. Pay a cash deposit.
b. Provide a lease agreement in the customer’s name.
c. Provide proof of land ownership.
d. Provide a copy of your driver’s license or other government issued photo identification.

2. Allow utility department personnel access to your property to set up and maintain service.

3. Pay bills by the due date shown on each monthly bill.

4. Notify the utility department if there is someone in the household who is either seriously ill, handicapped or on a life support system.
a. Notification shall include verification, in writing, from a medical doctor.
b. This information will be reviewed and updated in January and June of each year.

5. Notify the Public Services Department if you have questions or complaints about service.

6. Be aware of City-owned property at your home or business and safeguard it.

7. Install, maintain and repair wiring in your home or business.

8. The City provides utility service for the sole use and convenience of the premises under contract. The customer will ensure that utility service is not given or resold to a neighbor or tenant. Violation of this policy will be cause for immediate disconnection of service.

9. It is the customer’s responsibility to get rid of cardboard boxes resulting from a move. The boxes must be flattened (broken down) and can be brought to the County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Site.

CITY’S RIGHTS

  • To access the City’s utility facilities.
  • To receive notice of change in address, status of utility service, or problems with utility service.
  • To receive timely payment for services delivered to a home/business.
  • The appropriate department of the City is allowed to take action in court regarding equipment tampering or financial delinquencies.

CITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Refund the customer’s deposit if conditions are met.
  • Give written notice at least 10 calendar days before service is interrupted for failure to pay. The notice will explain the reason for disconnection and the date when service will be disconnected. The notice will respect a customer’s right to privacy regarding publication of debt.
  • Avoid disconnection for non-payment during extreme weather conditions.
  • Avoid disconnection for non-payment after 4 p.m. on a Friday, or a weekend, or on a holiday, except when conditions in Extension Agreement are not met or when a returned check is not picked up within the required time period.
  • Provide and explain rate schedules, how meters are read, and other additional, reasonable information.
  • Respond to questions or concerns from customers. The City may not agree with the concern but pledges prompt, courteous and honest answers.
  • Provide historic billing and usage information when requested by customer.

County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Site
8392 River Rd (Hwy 133), Southport NC 28461
Tel: (910) 457-9484
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Please see Residential Garbage & Yard Debris for more information.

Click for LIST OF STEPS required for Utility Service

To establish service at a residence that already has service connected
(leasing a residence or purchasing a residence)
✓ Complete a utility application
✓ Provide a copy of your license
✓ Provide the lease agreement, deed, or closing disclosure of the property
✓ *Optional: Provide a completed bank draft form and a voided check

➢ We will then pull credit which will determine if a deposit is required
*Commercial properties will be required to pay a deposit in place of having credit pulled (see commercial deposits below)

When selling or moving from a property:
1. Please complete a “Change of Service Form”
2. Drop off, mail, fax, or email form.
Mailing & Physical Address:
1029 N Howe St
Southport, NC 28461
Fax: 910-457-7905
Email: utilities@cityofsouthport.com

Utility Service Fees and Deposits

All fees subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.

General Fees Effective June, 2018
Application Fee (Application Fee waived with Automatic Draft set up)
(set up a utility account)
$35.00
non-refundable
Returned Check $35.00
Meter Tampering
Unauthorized Tap
 $250.00
After Hours Water Connection Fee 
after 3:30 Pm
 $50.00
Meter Testing $25.00
Delinquent Fee $35.00
Delinquent Fee for sewer customers with county provided water $70.00
Average Deposits for Utility Services Residential
Electric $375.00
Water $50.00
Sewer $104.00
Garbage $19.00
Average Deposits for Utility Services Commercial 

Commercial account deposits are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are generally 2 times the average bill amount or 2 times the base amount, whichever is greater.

How to check for leaks
Water Conservation Utilities Brochure

Electric Service Rates

All fees subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.

RESIDENTIAL                                                                    COMMERCIAL

Base Rate:        $23.00/mo.                                Base Rate:        $25.50/mo.

RATE CODE       $/kWh                                        RATE CODE       $/kWh

SR0              $0.125                                                          SC0              $0.125

SR1              $0.115                                                          SC1              $0.115

SR2              $0.105                                                          SC2              $0.105

SR3              $0.095                                                          SC3              $0.095

SR4              $0.085                                                          SC4              $0.085

COMMERCIAL DEMAND

Base Rate:                                                    $7.03/mo.

Usage:                                                           $0.0551/kWh

CP Demand:                                                 $35.35/kW

Excess:                                                        $2.00/kW (NCP-CP)

LARGE COMMERCIAL DEMAND

Base Rate:                                                    $75.00/mo.

Usage:                                                          $0.0578/kWh

CP Demand:                                                 $26.00/kW

Excess:                                                        $4.00/kW (NCP-CP)

Security Lights
RateTypeCost
S01100W$11.75
S05150W$14.21
S04250W$24.10
S02400W$32.41
S031000W$45.20

Water Rates and System Development Fees

All fees subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.

RESIDENTIAL WATER RATES

Base Rate: includes first 3,000 gallon usage
Inside Southport City Limits: $24.92
Outside City Limits: $40.52

Usage Rates 3,000-10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $5.72 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $8.59 per 1,000 gal.

Usage Rates > 10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $7.28 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $10.92 per 1,000 gal.

COMMERCIAL WATER RATES

Base Rate: includes first 3,000 gallon usage
Inside Southport City Limits: $35.32
Outside City Limits: $52.99

Usage Rates 3,000-10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $5.72 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $8.59per 1,000 gal.

Usage Rates > 10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $7.28 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $10.92 per 1,000 gal.

IRRIGATION WATER RATES (Residential and Commercial)

Base Rate (includes no usage)
Inside Southport City Limits $7.75
Outside City Limits: $11.63

Usage Rates 0-10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $5.72 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $8.59 per 1,000 gal.

Usage Rates > 10,000 gallons
Inside Southport City Limits: $7.28 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $10.92 per 1,000 gal.

 Water Tap Fees (establishing new meter connection)
Water Tap Irrigation Tap
3/4 in. $500.00 3/4 in. $500.00
1 in. $750.00 1 in. $750.00
2 in.  $1,250.00 2 in.  $1,250.00
Where extraordinary measures are necessary to accomplish a water tap, the cost to make the tap shall be based on time and materials, plus an administrative fee of 10%. shall be applied in lieu of the base tap fee.

Water System Development Fees (new construction)
Effective July 1, 2018.  Water System Development Fees: $1.86 per gallon

Number of Bedrooms Fee:
2 Bedrooms: $744
3 Bedrooms: $744
4 Bedrooms: $982

Sewer Rates and System Development Fees

All fees subject to change without notice. Please contact Public Services if you have any questions about which fees apply to you.

RESIDENTIAL SEWER RATES

Base Rate: includes first 3,000 gallon usage
Inside Southport City Limits: $70.17
Outside City Limits: $145.34

Usage Rates >3,000 (Based on water usage)
Inside Southport City Limits: $6.62 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $16.54 per 1,000 gal.

COMMERCIAL SEWER RATES

Base Rate: includes first 3,000 gallon usage
Inside Southport City Limits: $121.20
Outside City Limits: $181.79

Usage Rates >3,000 (Based on water usage)
Inside Southport City Limits: $13.23 per 1,000 gal.
Outside City Limits: $19.85 per 1,000 gal.

Residential Sewer System Development  Fees
2 Bedroom House:  $4,306
3 Bedroom House:  $6,458
4 Bedroom House:  $8,611

Sewer Tap Fees
4 inch Residential:  $750.00
6 inch Commercial:  $1,050.00

Where extraordinary measures are necessary to accomplish a sewer tap, the cost to make the tap shall be based on time and materials, plus an administrative fee of 10%. This will be in lieu of the base tap fee.

Commercial Sewer System Development  Fees

Commercial customers must contact the Public Services Director at (910) 457-7935 for calculation of commercial system development fees.

Effective July 1, 2018.  Sewer System Development Fees: $17.94 per gallon

Finance Request

  • Thank you for your inquiry. We will respond during normal business hours.