When payment of charges or bills for the use of sewer becomes delinquent the utility may take the following action or combination of actions:

A. The finance director of the utility shall be authorized to submit such bills to a collection agency or file legal action to collect such bills, together with interest and costs as permitted by this chapter. Such action may be taken against the owner or tenant or both provided the cumulative collection does not exceed the actual costs.

B. On or before July 7 of each year, notice must be given by the finance director to the owners to which sewer service has been furnished prior to July 1. The notice must be in writing and must state the amount of arrearage, including any penalty and interest assessed pursuant to the provisions of the city ordinance, and that unless the amount is paid within thirty days of the notice, the amount will be levied as a tax against the lot or parcel of real estate to which sewer service was furnished and for which payment is delinquent. The notice must also state that the city or town may by suit collect past-due assessments, interest, and penalties, as a debt owing the city or town, in any court of competent jurisdiction, including city court. The notice may be delivered to the owner personally or by letter addressed to the owner at the post office address of the owner as shown in property tax records maintained by the department of revenue. (Ord. 654 § 1(part), 2004)