For many of us, time is scarce; and with so many demands on our schedules and our minds, the opportunity to streamline certain tasks is welcomed. The City of Baytown offers its utility customers that opportunity with a couple of electronic payment options: Automatic Bank Withdrawal and online payments. Both options allow customers to pay their utility bill from the comfort of home, without standing in line, or the hassle of getting a check in the mail on time.
The easiest and most efficient way to pay your utility bill is through Automatic Bank Withdrawal. There are no fees or late charges (unless payment is refused by the customer’s bank). This is the most cost effective way to pay your bill. Simply fill out and return the application. Each month you’ll receive a bill as usual, so you’ll know the exact amount and day of payment. On the specified due date, your payment will be automatically drafted from your bank account, just as if you’d waited until the last day to come in and pay in person. Another benefit of Automatic Bank Withdrawal is that it is not necessary to have a computer or internet access to utilize the service. Applications are available in the City’s Utility Billing Office, 2505 Market Street, online at www.baytown.org/residents/services/utility/default.htm, or call 281-420-6515 to have an application mailed or faxed to you.
Online payments, using a credit or debit card, are fast and convenient with no checks, no stamps or waiting in line. Make a payment at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., or whatever time suits your schedule. Online payments do not post immediately, so a minimum of two days should be allowed when using this option. Customers who wish to make an online payment may do so at www.Baytown.org. Look for the link under “Online Services” on the right side of the homepage.
A convenience fee is charged by Chase Bank for online payments; for bills under $99.99, the fee is $2.25, while the fee for bills between $100 and $299.99 is $5.50. In comparison, late fees, imposed at 10% of the bill, can be much higher. A bill for 5,000 gallons of water, sewer, garbage, recycling, municipal drainage fee and tax on garbage and recycling is $72.69. The late fee on this bill would be $7.12 (late charges are not assessed on tax). A minimum bill, 2,000 gallons, is $44.94. The late fee on a minimum bill would be $4.35. In order to not be assessed the 10% late fee; utility payments must be received in the Utility Billing Office, 2505 Market Street, by 4 p.m., on the due date stated on the bill.
Customers can view their billing and consumption history online, 24/7, by selecting eGov Services on the City’s web page. If you experience any difficulty in using eGov, please call 281-420-6515 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday for assistance.