Irene Jacobs, City Clerk

City Clerk/Collector
Bank drafting program
Bank Drafting Form
boards and committees
city hall monthly calendar
Code of Ordinances
minutes
resident engagement guide
teen council

   VOTER INFORMATION:
vote by mail
VOTER EDUCATION VIDEOS
voter precinct locations

   CANDIDATE INFORMATION:
March 2011 General Info

City Clerk

City of Tarpon Springs, Florida
 BANK DRAFTING PROGRAM
Automatic Withdrawal for Utility Payments

 Bank Drafting Authorization Form

A FREE service by customer demand!

With Bank Drafting:

Save money!  (checks, envelopes, postage)
Save Time!  (writing checks, waiting in line)
Enjoy convenience!  (out-of-town, too busy)

Eligible?  You are eligible to participate if you are a City of Tarpon Springs utility customer billed monthly whose balance is current and you bank with a U. S. financial institution .

Signing up is easy!

1.                Download the Bank Drafting Authorization Form below or pick up this form at the Collection Center, 410 Ring Avenue.

                                    Bank Drafting Authorization Form

2.                Complete the Bank Drafting Form and include a voided blank check (for checking accounts) or a copy of your bank routing number and account number (for savings accounts).

3.                Any questions, contact the City’s Utility Customer Service Department at 727-942-5609.

4.                Fax (727-943-4057) or mail the Bank Drafting Authority Form with voided check or bank routing number and account number to the City’s Utility Accounts Manager located at:

City of Tarpon Springs
ATTN:  Utility Customer Service
P. O. Box 5004
Tarpon Springs, Florida  34688-5004

Within 60 days, the City will automatically deduct your monthly statement from your bank account.  It is a worry-free way to pay for your utility services.  It is that simple and convenient!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?
The Bank Drafting Program is open to all City of Tarpon Springs customers billed on a monthly basis whose balance is current.  (Letter of Authorization must accompany all commercial account holders.)

Will I still receive a monthly statement for my utility services?
Yes.  The only difference is the statement will indicate “BANK DRAFT” with the date the draft will occur from the account you select.

When will my account be drafted for payment?
Your bank account will be drafted 12 days after the bill date.

Once I have sent in the Bank Drafting Form, how long before the automatic withdrawals will begin occurring?
The automatic withdrawals should begin within 60 days.  Once the City receives your authorization, this information is placed on your account.  This same information must be “pre-noted” (tested) through the banking system prior to becoming active.  If an issue arises, the City would contact you to determine the basis for transmission problems.

What if I do not agree with the amount on my statement? 
If for any reason you do not agree with your monthly statement, you must contact the City of Tarpon Springs Utility Customer Service Department at 727-942-5609 as soon as possible.

 Is there a charge for this service?
There is no charge from the City of Tarpon Springs for this service.  However, some financial institutions may charge for automatic payments.  Ask your bank about possible fees.

How can I find my Utility Statement account number?
The account number consists of 3 to 5 digits followed by your 9-digit location number located on the upper left portion of your utility statement.

What if I change banks or accounts?
Simply contact us at least 20 days before your payment is to be deducted from your account and advise us of your new bank account information, forward a new form and voided blank check (or voided blank deposit slip for savings accounts) and we can make these changes timely.

Is my banking information safe and secure?
Yes, both the City of Tarpon Springs and our financial institution are required to keep your banking information confidential.

What if my bank returns a payment?
If your bank refuses to honor your automatic withdrawal payment for any reason, the City of Tarpon Springs will notify you.  You must then pay your utility statement and any applicable charges in full with cash or a money order.  A NSF fee will be added to your account for each non-paid automatic withdrawal transaction.  If your next utility statement reflects a past due balance, you will be removed from the Bank Drafting Program until your account is paid in full.  The City of Tarpon Springs also reserves the right to discontinue your participation of the Bank Drafting Program if your payment is rejected more than once in a six-month period.  Your financial institution may also charge fees for rejected payments.

How do I stop participating in the Bank Drafting Program?
Notify the City of Tarpon Springs in writing that you would like to stop Bank Drafting.  Your request will become effective within 20 days after we receive your notification.