The City of Zachary bills and collects the sewer and solid waste (garbage) fees for the City-Parish. Any questions regarding these fees should be directed to the City-Parish Service Fee Business Office in Baton Rouge at (225) 389-5378.
Effective January 1, 2016, the sewer user fee rate was increased by 4%. This increase was approved by the City-Parish Metropolitan Council to fund sewer improvements as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the LA Department of Environmental Quality. If your average usage bill does not accurately reflect your current usage, you may contact the Service Fee Business Office at (225) 389-5378 to request a review of your account.
Effective January 1, 2016, the solid waste (garbage) user fee increased from $19 to $20 per month for all residential households in the parish (excluding the incorporated limits of Baker and Zachary).
Hey there, Zachary residents! Are you tired of rushing to City Hall at the last minute to pay your utility bills? Or maybe you’ve forgotten to mail a payment and got hit with those pesky late fees? I’ve been there too, and it’s no fun. That’s why I created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate all the bill payment options for City of Zachary utilities.
As a long-time Zachary resident myself, I’ve tried every payment method available, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to make your life easier! Let’s dive in and explore how you can keep those utility payments flowing smoothly.
What Utilities Does the City of Zachary Provide?
Before we jump into payment methods, let’s clarify what services the City of Zachary actually bills for:
- Water service
- Gas service
- Sewer service
- Garbage/trash collection
It’s worth noting that not every home in Zachary receives all these services. Also rates differ depending on whether you live inside or outside the city limits. The Utility Billing Department headed by Monica Jackson since 2017, manages all aspects of billing, payment collection, and customer relations for these services.
Your City of Zachary Bill Payment Options
The good news is that Zachary offers several convenient ways to pay your utility bills Let’s break down each option
1. Online Payment Through the City Website
The City of Zachary provides an online bill payment option right on their official website Here’s how to access it
- Visit www.cityofzachary.org
- Click on the “Bill Payment” tab on the right side of the home page
- Enter your account number (if you don’t know it, you’ll need to register online)
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
This is my personal favorite method because I can pay anytime, even at 2 AM in my pajamas!
2. Pay Through doxo
The City of Zachary has partnered with doxo, a third-party bill payment service that allows you to pay multiple bills in one place. Here’s what you need to know:
- Visit doxo.com to create an account
- Search for “City of Zachary” to add it as a biller
- You can pay using:
- Linked bank account (free!)
- Credit card (convenience fee applies)
- Debit card (convenience fee applies)
- Apple Pay
I find doxo particularly useful because I can track all my bills in one place, which helps me stay organized.
3. In-Person Payments
If you prefer the old-school approach or need to pay with cash, you can visit:
Cashier’s Office
4650 Main Street
Zachary, LA
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Friday
I sometimes like paying in person because I can ask questions about my bill or discuss any concerns with staff face-to-face.
4. Bank Draft Authorization
If you’re like me and hate the thought of forgetting a payment, automatic bank drafts might be your solution. The City of Zachary offers a Bank Draft Authorization Form that allows them to automatically withdraw your payment each month.
To set this up, you can:
- Download the form from the city website
- Fill it out completely
- Return it to the Utility Office with a voided check
This has saved me from late fees more times than I can count!
5. Phone Payments
Need to make a quick payment? Just call the City of Zachary Utility Cashier Department at 225-654-6871 during business hours, and they can process your payment over the phone.
Go Green with Paperless Billing
The City of Zachary is encouraging residents to go paperless, and I recently made the switch myself. There are two simple ways to opt for paperless billing:
Online Option:
- Visit www.cityofzachary.org
- Click on “Bill Payment”
- Log into your account
- Click on “Profile” and change your notification preference to email
Phone Option:
Call 225-654-6871, and the staff will help you opt out of paper billing
Since switching to paperless, I’ve found it easier to keep track of my bills (no more lost statements!), and it feels good to reduce paper waste.
Smart Meter Customer Portal: A Game-Changer
The City of Zachary has been upgrading to smart meters, and if your home has one, you can access detailed information about your usage. The Smart Meter Customer Portal lets you:
- View your water/gas consumption patterns
- Spot potential leaks early
- Better understand your billing
I check mine regularly and was shocked to discover how much water my sprinkler system was using!
Important Fees and Charges to Be Aware Of
Nobody likes surprise fees, so here’s a rundown of the charges you might encounter with City of Zachary utilities:
- New service processing fee: $15.00
- Late payment fee: 10% of monthly bill plus $25.00 if not paid within 8 days of due date
- After-hours reconnection fee: $50.00
- Returned check fee: $35.00
- Credit card convenience fee: Varies (charged by 3rd party processor)
And heads up – if you’re on the disconnection list and pay online, your service won’t be reconnected until the next workday. I learned this one the hard way last summer!
Senior Utility Assistance Program
If you or someone you know is a senior citizen on a fixed income, the City of Zachary offers a Senior Utility Assistance program that provides discounts on utility bills. To qualify:
- You must be 65 years or older (as of January 31st of application year)
- Have a net annual household income less than $36,000
- Have an active City of Zachary water/garbage account in your name
- Live within the corporate limits of Zachary
The application is available at the City of Zachary Utility Office or can be downloaded from their website. My neighbor applied last year and says it’s made a big difference in her monthly budget!
What Happens If You’re Late on Your Payment?
Life gets busy, and sometimes bills slip through the cracks. If you’re late on your City of Zachary utility payment:
- A 10% fee is applied one day after the due date
- A $25 late fee is added if not paid within 8 days of the due date
- Your service may be disconnected for non-payment
- To restore service, you’ll need to pay your bill plus applicable fees
Meter Reading and Potential Issues
The City of Zachary handles all water and gas meter readings monthly using an automatic meter reading system (AMR). This technology:
- Reduces meter reading time
- Provides more accurate readings
- Links meter data directly to billing
If you suspect an issue with your meter or have questions about high consumption, the Utility Office can provide water and gas meter data logs at no charge (where compatible equipment has been installed).
Last month, I noticed my water bill was unusually high. I contacted the city, and they provided hourly usage data that helped me identify a leaky toilet that was running intermittently!
Tampering Penalties – Don’t Do It!
While most people would never think of tampering with utility equipment, it’s worth noting that the City of Zachary takes this very seriously. Penalties range from $50 for Level 1 tampering (removing a locking device) up to Level 4, which involves police and court costs. Just don’t do it!
Contacting the City of Zachary Utilities Department
Need help? Have questions? Here’s how to reach the Utility Billing Department:
Cashier’s Office
4650 Main Street
Zachary, LA 70791
Phone: 225-654-6871
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Closed Friday)
The staff is usually super friendly and helpful. I had a billing question last month, and Mary at the front desk went above and beyond to help me resolve it.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my utility usage history?
Yes! If your property has a smart meter installed, you can access detailed usage data through the Smart Meter Customer Portal on the City of Zachary website.
What if I’m moving?
Contact the Utility Office at least 3 days before your move-out date to schedule final readings and provide a forwarding address for your final bill.
How do I report a water leak or gas smell?
For emergencies, including gas leaks, call the utility office immediately at 225-654-6871. After hours, this number will connect you to emergency assistance.
Can I pay multiple months in advance?
Absolutely! The City of Zachary allows you to pay ahead on your account, which is great if you’re planning an extended vacation or just want to avoid monthly payments.
Final Thoughts
Managing your City of Zachary utility bills doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With multiple payment options, paperless billing, and helpful online tools, staying on top of your utility payments is easier than ever.
I’ve personally found that setting up automatic payments through bank draft has been the most convenient solution for my busy lifestyle. No more late fees, no more last-minute dashes to the payment office!
Until next time, happy bill paying!
P.S. Don’t forget, the Utility Office is closed on Fridays, so plan accordingly if you need to stop by in person.
Ways to reduce your sewer billing include:
Reduce water usage during averaging months – (Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr) Limit lawn watering Repair leaking toilets and faucets Report water leaks to your water company
