A Guide to Paying Your City of Rockport Utility Bill

Having reliable utility services like water sewer, and gas is essential for Rockport residents and businesses. As a City of Rockport utility customer it’s your responsibility to pay your utility bill on time each month. The city offers multiple payment options for your convenience. This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about managing your Rockport utility account and making prompt payments.

Overview of Rockport Utilities

The City of Rockport provides water, sewer, garbage collection, recycling, and natural gas utility services to homes and businesses located within the city limits. Key facts about Rockport utilities:

• Governed by the Rockport City Council and Mayor,

• Utility Customer Service Department handles billing and account management

• Customers are billed monthly based on metered water usage and fixed service fees.

• Bills are typically due within 20 days of the billing date.

• Late fees apply to past due balances.

• Service disconnection can occur for accounts 60+ days past due.

As a Rockport utility customer, you must pay your bill in full each month by the due date to avoid penalties.

Convenient Payment Options

The City of Rockport offers several ways to pay your utility bill conveniently each month:

• Online – Pay by credit/debit card or eCheck via the payment portal. A 2.5% fee applies to card payments.

• Phone – Call 361-729-2213 ext. 234 to pay over the phone by card or draft from your bank account.

• Mail – Send your payment stub and check to the Rockport Utility Billing address printed on your bill.

• In person – Visit Utility Billing at City Hall during business hours to pay with cash, check or money order.

• Drop box – Use the 24/7 drop box at City Hall to leave check or money order payments.

• Auto-draft – Sign up to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account each month.

Choose the most convenient payment method for you each month. Online and phone payments allow 24/7 payment access.

Payment Timelines and Late Fees

Rockport utility bills must be paid by the due date printed on your monthly statement to avoid penalties. Key timelines:

• Due within 20 days – Pay monthly bills by the due date to avoid late fees.

• 21 days late – A 10% late penalty is added to past due balances.

• 60+ days late – Accounts past due 60+ days are subject to service disconnection.

Paying your utility bill on time every month is crucial to steer clear of late fees and potential service interruption.

Managing Your Account Online

The fastest way to monitor and pay your Rockport utility bill is by setting up online account access:

1. Visit the payment portal and click on “Register”

2. Enter your account number, email, phone number, and create a password.

3. Check your email for a confirmation link and click to verify your account.

Once registered, you can view pending balances, payment history, make one-time or recurring payments, update account details, and more. Online access makes utility account management quick and easy.

Payment Assistance for Qualified Customers

If you anticipate issues paying your utility bill on time, contact the City of Rockport immediately to discuss potential payment assistance options:

• Payment arrangements to pay past due balances over multiple months.

• Due date extensions to better match up with your pay schedule.

• Payment assistance programs like LIHEAP if you meet low income criteria.

Don’t let payments fall behind without proactively communicating with the city. Payment help is available to avoid utility disconnection.

Moving In or Out of Rockport?

To start or stop utility services, contact the City of Rockport at least 3 business days before your move in/out. Provide:

• Service address

• Requested connection/disconnection date

• Valid ID

• Proof of property purchase/lease

Properly timing this ensures utility service is active when you move in and billing stops promptly when you move out.

Key Takeaways for Paying Your Rockport Utility Bill

• Carefully review monthly bills and pay the total amount due on time.

• Sign up for convenient online account access and bill payment.

• Contact the city promptly if you expect to miss a payment due date.

• Payment help and flexible arrangements are available for those who qualify.

• Plan ahead when activating/deactivating service before moving in/out.

Following these tips will help you stay on top of your City of Rockport utility account and avoid service disruption. With multiple payment options at your fingertips, paying your utility bill can be quick and straightforward each month.