Are you tired of forgetting to pay your Spokane County utility bills on time? Do those late fees keep adding up? I’ve been there too! After living in Spokane for over 8 years, I’ve finally figured out all the different ways to pay county and city utility bills without the hassle In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Spokane County bill pay options to make your life easier
City of Spokane vs. Spokane County: Understanding the Difference
Before diving into payment methods, it’s important to understand that Spokane City and Spokane County have separate billing systems. This confusion has cost me extra fees more than once!
- City of Spokane: Handles utility billing for garbage, recycling, water, stormwater, and wastewater if you live within city limits
- Spokane County: Primarily handles wastewater/sewer billing for residents in unincorporated areas and some cities within the county
Many residents get confused when trying to pay their bills because they’re trying to use the wrong payment system. Let’s break down both options to avoid any costly mistakes.
City of Spokane Utility Bill Payment Options
If you’re paying a City of Spokane utility bill you’ve got several convenient options
1. Online Payments through eBill
The City’s eBill service is my personal favorite way to pay. Here’s how to get started
- Go to the eBill website
- Create an account (have your utility bill handy)
- Wait up to two business days for account approval
- Sign in to access your account info
Once your account is set up, you’ll enjoy these benefits:
- 24-hour access to your current account information (updates every 24 hours)
- View previous statements
- See detailed information on charges and payments
- Make payments with credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) free of charge
If you have questions about the online payment system, contact Utility Billing at 311 (or 509-755-2489 for those outside city limits).
2. Pay By Phone: 844-739-0180
The City recently updated its toll-free pay-by-phone service, which I find super convenient when I’m traveling. You’ll need:
- Your most recent utility bill
- Your City utility account number
- Credit/debit card details or bank account information
3. Set Up Automatic Payments
This is honestly the best way to avoid late fees! You can set up automatic payments from your checking or savings account (ACH) by:
- Logging into your eBill account
- Or calling 311 for assistance
With automatic payments:
- Your bill arrives at the same time each month
- Payment is deducted on the due date
- No more forgetting to pay!
Just watch out for potential fees if your payment gets returned for insufficient funds.
4. Drop Boxes (Check Only)
If you’re old-school like my dad and prefer writing checks, the City offers several drop box locations:
- City Hall (external drop box on East wall by Post St entrance)
- Avista Utilities (1411 E Mission Ave)
- Yoke’s Foods #9 (3321 W Indian Trail Rd)
Remember: Don’t use drop boxes if you have a past due balance, and never put cash in a drop box!
5. Pay Stations (In-Person)
Sometimes you just need to talk to a human being. You can pay in person at these locations:
- My Spokane Customer Service Desk at City Hall (808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm)
- Yoke’s Foods #3 (210 E North Foothills Dr)
- Yoke’s Foods #9 (3321 W Indian Trail Rd)
Important: Pay stations require your original green and white utility bill.
6. Mail Your Payment
The classic mail-in option is always available:
Utility BillingSpokane City Hall808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.Spokane, WA 99201Just be sure to mail it early enough to arrive by the due date!
Spokane County Wastewater/Sewer Bill Payment Options
If you’re paying a Spokane County wastewater bill, your options are slightly different:
1. Online Payments Through e-Pay
For Spokane County sewer bills, you can use e-Pay to make payments using your bank account:
- Visit the e-Pay website
- Enroll for one-time or recurring payments
- Schedule advance payments
- Sign up for paperless statements
The best part? There’s no fee for using this service! However, credit card payments are not accepted through e-Pay.
2. Credit Card Payments with “Just Pay It”
If you prefer to use a credit card for your county sewer bill:
- Go to the Just Pay It website
- Make one-time payments by electronic check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover)
- Be aware there’s a $2.95 convenience fee charged by the vendor
3. Mail Your Payment
You can also mail your Spokane County sewer bill payment to:
Spokane County Environmental Services1026 W Broadway AveSpokane, WA 992604. Pay In Person
The County also accepts in-person payments at their office:
Spokane County Public Works1026 W Broadway AveSpokane, WA 99260Important Tips for Both City and County Payments
After years of paying these bills (and occasionally messing up), here are some key tips I’ve learned:
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Allow Processing Time: Online and phone payments can take 2-4 business days to post. Don’t wait until the last minute!
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Past Due Balances: If your City utility account is past due, you should pay at the My Spokane counter at City Hall in person.
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Keep Your Account Number Handy: Both the City and County require your account number for almost all payment methods.
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Watch For Special Payments: For County Capital Facilities Rates pre-payments or General Facilities Charges payoffs of $500+, contact the office at 509-477-3604 before submitting payment.
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Set Up Reminders: Even with autopay, it’s good to set calendar reminders to check that payments went through.
Avoiding Common Bill Pay Mistakes
We’ve all been there – forgetting a bill or paying the wrong amount. Here are some mistakes I’ve made that you can avoid:
Mistake #1: Paying the Wrong Entity
I once spent 20 minutes trying to pay my County sewer bill through the City’s system! Double-check which entity you’re paying before starting the payment process.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Processing Time
Online payments aren’t instant! Both City and County payments can take several business days to process. I’ve had late fees because I paid “on time” but didn’t account for processing time.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Update Payment Information
If you get a new credit card or change bank accounts, remember to update your autopay information. I once had my water shut off because I forgot to update my expired credit card info!
Special Circumstances
What if I’m Moving?
If you’re moving within Spokane, you’ll need to:
- Contact the appropriate billing department (City or County)
- Provide your new address
- Request a final reading at your old address
- Set up service at your new location if applicable
What About Financial Assistance?
Both the City and County offer assistance programs:
- City of Spokane UHelp Program: Provides emergency assistance to qualifying households
- Senior & Disabled Credit: Available through the City for qualifying residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay my City of Spokane utility bill with a credit card without fees?
A: Yes! The City offers free credit card payments through their eBill system.
Q: How can I set up autopay for my Spokane County sewer bill?
A: Visit the e-Pay website and enroll in recurring payments using your bank account information.
Q: What if my bill seems unusually high?
A: Contact the appropriate customer service number immediately – City: 311 or County: 509-477-3604. It could indicate a leak or billing error.
Q: Can I pay multiple months in advance?
A: Yes, both the City and County allow advance payments. The County e-Pay system specifically mentions this option.
Final Thoughts
Managing utility bills isn’t the most exciting part of living in Spokane County, but having the right information makes it much less painful. I’ve found that setting up autopay for both City and County bills has saved me countless headaches and late fees over the years.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online payments or the personal touch of paying in person, Spokane offers plenty of options to fit your preferences. The key is finding what works for your lifestyle and sticking with it.
Remember, stay on top of those bills, and you’ll avoid the dreaded late fees and service interruptions that nobody wants to deal with!
Spokane County Water District No. 3
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