Let’s face it – nobody likes paying bills, but we all gotta do it. If your like me and live in Spokane, Washington dealing with your utility bills just got a whole lot easier! As a long-time resident I’ve figured out all the ins and outs of the Spokane City utilities bill pay system, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know.
What Are Spokane City Utilities?
Before diving into how to pay your bill, let’s quickly go over what utilities the City of Spokane actually provides. The City handles several essential services:
- Water service
- Wastewater/sewer
- Garbage collection
- Recycling
- Food & yard waste services
All these services appear on one combined utility bill which makes life a bit easier – one payment covers everything!
Ways to Pay Your Spokane City Utilities Bill
The City of Spokane offers several convenient options for paying your utilities bill. I’ll break down each method so you can choose what works best for you.
1. Online Payment Portal
This is by far the most convenient option and my personal favorite! The City of Spokane has made it super easy to pay online through their eBill system.
To pay online:
- Visit the official payment page at https://my.spokanecity.org/payments/
- Look for the “eBill” option
- Select “Pay Utility Bills Online”
- Make sure your browser has cookies and JavaScript enabled
- Log in to your account (or create one if you haven’t already)
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
The online portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Just remember that there might be a small convenience fee for using cards.
2. Phone Payments
If you’re not comfortable using the internet or just prefer talking to a real person, you can pay by phone. Just:
- Dial 311 if you’re in Spokane
- Or call 509.755.CITY (2489) from outside the city
- Follow the automated prompts or ask to speak with a representative
3. In-Person Payments
Old school? No problem! You can still pay your bill in person at:
City Hall
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201
The cashier’s office is typically open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
4. Mail-In Payments
If you prefer to send a check, you can mail your payment to:
City of Spokane
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201
Be sure to include your account number on your check and allow sufficient time for mail delivery!
Setting Up Auto-Pay for Your Utilities
We all get busy and sometimes forget things – I know I do! That’s why I recommend setting up automatic payments for your Spokane utilities. Here’s how:
- Log in to the eBill system at https://my.spokanecity.org/payments/
- Navigate to your account settings
- Look for the “Auto-Pay” or “Recurring Payment” option
- Select your preferred payment method
- Choose the date you want payments processed
- Confirm and save your settings
With auto-pay, you’ll never have to worry about late fees again. Plus, you’ll get email confirmations for every payment, so you’ll always know what’s happening with your account.
Understanding Your Spokane City Utilities Bill
Sometimes those bills can be confusing! Let me help you understand what your looking at when you receive your Spokane City utilities bill:
Billing Cycle
Utility bills are typically issued monthly. The exact date depends on your service area within the city.
Bill Components
Your bill breaks down into several sections:
| Service | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Water | Your water usage and related fees |
| Sewer | Wastewater processing charges |
| Garbage | Trash collection fees based on container size |
| Recycling | Single-stream recycling collection |
| Yard Waste | Food and yard waste collection (seasonal) |
Reading Your Water Meter
Understanding how much water your using can help you control your bill. The City of Spokane measures water usage in CCF (hundred cubic feet). One CCF equals about 748 gallons.
To read your own meter:
- Locate your water meter (usually near the street)
- Record the numbers
- Compare with previous readings to track usage
What To Do If You Have Trouble Paying Your Bill
We’ve all been there – sometimes money gets tight. If your struggling to pay your utility bill, don’t worry! The City of Spokane offers several assistance programs:
Payment Arrangements
If you need extra time to pay, you can request a payment arrangement by:
- Calling 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489)
- Visiting the cashier’s office in person
- Contacting customer service through the MySpokane 311 portal at https://myspokane311.my.site.com/citizen/mbl/servicetypes
U-Help Program
The U-Help program provides emergency assistance to qualifying low-income families who are facing disconnection. To apply, contact:
- SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners)
- The Salvation Army
Senior/Disabled Rate Reduction
If your a senior citizen or have a disability, you might qualify for reduced rates. Contact the City’s utilities department for eligibility requirements.
Tips for Reducing Your Utility Bills
As someone who’s lived in Spokane for years, I’ve picked up some tricks to keep my utility bills manageable:
Water Conservation
- Fix leaky faucets promptly
- Install low-flow showerheads and toilets
- Water your lawn during early morning or evening hours
- Consider drought-resistant landscaping
Garbage Reduction
- Compost food waste when possible
- Recycle properly to reduce garbage volume
- Consider downsizing your garbage container if you consistently have extra space
General Savings
- Sign up for paperless billing to save on postage and paper
- Set up auto-pay to avoid late fees
- Monitor your usage patterns to identify potential savings
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Website Access Problems
If your having trouble accessing the online payment portal:
- Make sure JavaScript and cookies are enabled in your browser
- Clear your browser cache
- Try a different browser
- Check your internet connection
Remember the message on the payment page: “Ensure browser cookies and javascript are enabled”!
Payment Confirmation Issues
Didn’t receive confirmation of your payment? Here’s what to do:
- Check your spam/junk email folder
- Log into your account to verify the payment went through
- Contact customer service at 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489)
Service Interruptions
If you experience any interruption in your utilities:
- Check the City of Spokane website for announced maintenance
- Call 311 to report the issue
- Check with neighbors to see if it’s a widespread outage
Stay Informed About Utility Changes
The City of Spokane occasionally updates their policies, rates, and service schedules. For example, the website currently notes: “Garbage, recycling, and food & yard waste services are on their normal schedule this week. Reminder! Carts need to be at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day.”
To stay informed:
- Visit the City’s website regularly
- Sign up for email notifications
- Follow the City of Spokane on social media (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Watch CityCable5 for important announcements
Final Thoughts
Paying your Spokane City utilities bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the various payment options available – especially the convenient online portal – managing your utilities has never been easier.
I’ve been using the online system for years, and it’s saved me tons of time and prevented late payments. Plus, when I had questions about my bill last year, the customer service team was super helpful when I called 311.
Remember that utilities are essential services that keep our community clean, healthy, and functioning. By staying on top of your payments and understanding your usage, you’re contributing to a better Spokane for everyone!
Let’s make bill paying the least stressful part of our month, shall we?
Spokane County Water District No. 3
See minutes and future agendas for our board meetings.
Spokane city council to make decision on late utility bills
FAQ
How do I pay my utility bill in Spokane?
City Utility Accounts with past due balances should be paid at the My Spokane counter on the first floor of City Hall, 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd. To pay your bill online through the City’s eBill service, you will need to create an account with the City of Spokane. Go to eBill to create an account.
Does Spokane have a utility bill?
Utility Billing is Getting an Upgrade! In the nearly 25 years since the City of Spokane last replaced its utility billing system, much has changed with technology, online capabilities, access to data, customer invoice receipt and payment tools, etc. What is included in a Spokane utility bill?
Does Spokane offer online bill pay?
The good news is Spokane offers easy online bill pay for all your city utilities. You can pay from home in just minutes without stamps, checks or driving. Read on to learn how to sign up for online bill pay with the City of Spokane.
How much does a Spokane utility cost?
Luckily for Spokane residents, utility bills are 24% below the national average in the city, and that’s especially true for renters. Utilities can soar to the $400-$500 range for homeowners with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and plumbing fixtures in Spokane.
What is included in a Spokane utility bill?
City of Spokane utility bills include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste collection. Bills are sent monthly to more than 86,000 residential and business customers within the City and adjacent areas with City utility services. What is the average utility bill in Spokane?
Is the city of Spokane online payment system safe?
Yes, the City of Spokane online payment system is extremely safe and secure. Here are some of the security features: You can feel fully confident that paying online is safe and your information is protected. As you can see, paying City of Spokane bills online is fast, easy, and secure.
