Utility Billing

The Utility Billing Department is responsible for all inquiries regarding utility billing for the City of St. Joseph and the surrounding townships which make up the Southwest Michigan Regional Sanitary Sewer and Water Authority. As part of the City Finance Office, the Utility Billing Department is located on the first floor of City Hall and is open daily; Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. To report an after-hours emergency for water or sewer, please call the Berrien County Dispatch at 269-926-2538. 

Phone: 269-983-6324
Fax: 269-985-0347
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Vacant, Finance Director -
Amy Welch, Utility Billing Specialist – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abby Bishop, Utility Billing Specialist –  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utility Billing Department bills quarterly according to the following schedule:

• St. Joseph City - January, April, July and October
• Royalton Township - January, April, July and October
• St. Joseph Charter Township – February, May, August and November
• Lincoln Charter Township – March, June, September and December

Customers should expect to receive a quarterly bill on the first day of the month; these bills are due three weeks later on the 21st of the month. Click here for detailed billing schedule. A 10% penalty is assessed on the current water and sewer charges for bills paid after the due date.

In addition, the Utility Billing Department is responsible for processing payments, setting up new accounts, maintaining billing and payment records, arranging for final meter reads when service is terminated and arranging for shut-offs of delinquent accounts.

All property owners desiring water to their property from the City water system must make application by filing a Water Service Agreement with the City of St. Joseph; federal regulations require that all accounts are to be opened in person with a valid picture identification. This regulation also applies to current customers relocating to a new location. The City respects the rights of property owners, and therefore only with the expressed written permission of the owner, will the account be allowed in the name of the tenant.

The Water Services Joint Operating Board has adopted Rules and Regulations for the fair and consistent treatment of all utility customers within the Greater St. Joseph Water System.

Payment Options

Beginning April 1, 2016, the City of St. Joseph will accept credit cards for payment of your Utility Bills in person at City Hall.  We will continue to accept credit card for payments made online and by phone.  Payments may also be in the form of cash or check.  The prior payment option, thru Payment Service Network (PSN), is no longer valid and will not accept payments.

FEES - A convenience fee equal to 3% of the payment amount ($2 minimum) will be assessed for all credit card payments.  Additionally, an e-check fee of $3 will be implemented for amounts up to $10,000; $10.00 e-check fee for amounts over $10,000. 

OPTIONS FOR YOUR UTILITY BILL

IN PERSON– At City Hall, 700 Broad Street, Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

ONLINE—Go to www.sjcity.com and click on the “Online Payment” icon, then Utility Bills link.

BY PHONE—Pay your bill over the phone using an automated service, available 24/7 at 866-279-6342 or talk to a customer service representative, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm at 888-891-6064 and select option 1.

BY MAIL—Send your check with the Utility Bill stub to the City of St. Joseph, 700 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Please include your account number, name and service address.  We cannot accept credit card payments by mail or drop box.

DROP BOX—Insert your payment in our 24/7 drop box located inside the double glass doors at the Broad Street entrance to City Hall.  Please include your account number, name and service address.  

VIEW YOUR ACCOUNT HISTORY ONLINE

To view your accounts payment and usage history, please click on the “View My Account” icon.  Have your 6-digit account number handy and follow the prompts.  

Other Information and forms

• Sample Bill (Email style)
• Sample Bill (Postcard style)
• Current Rate Schedule
  
• Quick Facts about Water and Sewer Service
• Application – New Account Water Service Agreement
• Application - Auto Bill Pay
• Application - Leak Adjustment
• Application - Request EMAIL Bill Delivery
• Request - Final Read and Bill
• Consent for Release of Information
• Consent for Release from Landlord to Tenant
• Extreme Cold Weather Tips

Learn more about water at the USGS website.