Let’s face it – nobody loves paying bills, but we all gotta do it! As someone who’s lived in Everett for years, I’ve become pretty familiar with how the city’s utility billing system works. Today I’m sharing everything you need to know about Everett public works bill pay options so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle.
What Are Everett Utility Bills?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s clarify what we’re actually paying for. The City of Everett Public Works department handles several utility services including
- Water service
- Sewer service
- Garbage collection
- Storm drainage fees
These charges appear on your monthly utility bill, which comes directly from the Utility Billing office located at 3101 Cedar Street. The city sends these bills monthly, and you have 20 days from the billing date to make your payment.
Online Payment Options: The Most Convenient Choice
In today’s digital world, online payments have become the go-to method for many of us. The City of Everett offers a convenient online payment system that accepts:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- E-checks (using your bank’s routing and account number)
You can choose between making one-time payments or setting up an account for automatic payments. The latter is super helpful if you’re like me and sometimes forget due dates!
To access this option visit the city’s online payment system through their website. However be aware that there’s currently an issue affecting customers with multiple accounts – they can’t view bills for each account separately but can still switch between accounts to make payments.
Also worth noting: there’s a temporary problem with saved payment methods in customer online wallets. The city is working to fix this, but in the meantime, you won’t be able to save new payment methods to your wallet.
Pay-by-Phone: For When You’re On The Go
If online payments aren’t your thing, or you’re away from your computer, the automated phone payment system is a great alternative. Simply call 1-833-339-3576 any time (it’s available 24 hours) and follow the prompts.
The system accepts the same payment methods as the online option:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- E-check
This is my personal backup option when I’m traveling but remember a bill is due!
Traditional Payment Methods: For The Old-School Among Us
Not everyone is comfortable with digital payments, and that’s completely fine! The City of Everett maintains several traditional payment options:
Mail-In Payments
You can send your payment the old-fashioned way by mailing it to:
Utility Billing3101 Cedar StreetEverett, Washington 98201Just make sure to allow enough time for mail delivery before your due date!
In-Person Payments
If you prefer the face-to-face experience or have questions about your bill, you can visit the Utility Billing office in person. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
I’ve found the staff there to be really helpful whenever I’ve had questions about my bill.
Drop Box Option
In a rush? There’s a 24-hour drop box located on the outside of the Utility Billing office building (south side of 3101 Cedar Street). This is handy for dropping off payments after hours or on weekends.
What About Past-Due Accounts?
Life happens, and sometimes bills slip through the cracks. If you find yourself with a past-due account, don’t panic! Call utility services directly and speak with an account specialist who can help you resolve the situation.
It’s worth mentioning that payment arrangements related to COVID have ended. For any new payment arrangements on overdue accounts, you’ll need to speak with Utility Billing staff at 425-257-8999.
Contact Information: Keep This Handy!
For any questions or concerns about your utility bill, here’s the important contact info:
Utility Billing Office
3101 Cedar Street
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-257-8999
Fax: 425-257-8886
Automated pay-by-phone (24 hours): 1-833-339-3576
Office Hours:
- By phone: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- In-person: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pro Tips From a Local
After years of paying Everett utility bills, I’ve learned a few things that might help you:
-
Set up auto-pay if possible. This has saved me from late fees more times than I can count!
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Keep an eye on your usage. Unexpected spikes could indicate leaks or other issues that need addressing.
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Save your receipts. Whether digital or paper, it’s good to have proof of payment just in case.
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Check for assistance programs. The City of Everett does offer bill assistance for qualifying residents.
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The online portal is usually the quickest way to see your current balance and payment history.
Understanding Your Bill: What Am I Even Paying For?
Sometimes utility bills can be confusing with all their different line items. Here’s a breakdown of what you might see on your Everett utility bill:
| Service | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Water | Clean water delivery to your home |
| Sewer | Wastewater removal and treatment |
| Garbage | Trash collection services |
| Storm drainage | Management of rainwater runoff |
Your specific charges will depend on your usage and property type. Water charges, for example, are typically calculated based on your actual water consumption as measured by your meter.
Seasonal Considerations for Utility Bills
If you’re new to Everett, you should know that utility bills often fluctuate seasonally. Water usage typically increases during summer months for gardening, washing cars, and filling pools. This means your summer bills might be higher than winter ones.
Similarly, during extremely cold periods, some people see higher water bills due to letting faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes. Being aware of these patterns can help you budget more effectively throughout the year.
What To Do If You’re Moving
Planning to move? Don’t forget about your utilities! Here’s what you should do:
- Contact the Utility Billing office at least 3 business days before your move-out date.
- Provide your new address for the final bill.
- Schedule a final meter reading if possible.
- Pay any remaining balance.
If you’re moving within Everett, you’ll need to set up service at your new address too.
Common Questions About Everett Utility Billing
“Why did my bill increase?”
Rate adjustments happen periodically, but sudden increases might also be due to increased usage or leaks. If your bill seems unusually high, it’s worth checking for leaks or contacting the Utility Billing office.
“Can I get an extension on my payment?”
In special circumstances, the city may grant extensions. Contact the Utility Billing office directly to discuss your situation.
“What happens if I don’t pay my utility bill?”
Eventually, unpaid utility bills can result in service disconnection. Before that happens, the city will attempt to contact you multiple times. If you’re struggling to pay, it’s best to be proactive and discuss payment arrangements.
“Is there assistance available for low-income households?”
Yes! The City of Everett does offer assistance programs for qualifying residents. Contact the Utility Billing office for more information about these programs.
The Environmental Impact of Paperless Billing
One option I haven’t mentioned yet is paperless billing. By opting to receive your bills electronically rather than through mail, you’re not just making your life easier – you’re also helping the environment!
Paperless billing reduces paper waste and the carbon emissions associated with mail delivery. Plus, it gives you faster access to your billing information and payment confirmation.
Final Thoughts
Managing your Everett public works bill payments doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options available, you can choose what works best for your schedule and preferences.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy person who loves the convenience of online payments or someone who prefers the reliability of in-person transactions, the City of Everett has you covered. Just remember to pay within those 20 days from the billing date to avoid any late fees!
And if you’re new to Everett, welcome to our community! Getting your utility billing sorted is just one step toward making this wonderful city your home. Before long, you’ll be a pro at managing these payments, just like the rest of us locals.
Have you found a preferred method for paying your Everett utility bills? I’d love to hear what works best for you in the comments below!
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