Utility Billing
BANK DRAFTING PROGRAM
Automatic Withdrawal for Utility Payments
Bank Drafting Authorization
Form
This is a FREE service!
With Bank Drafting you can:
Save money! (checks, envelopes, postage)
Save Time! (writing checks, waiting in line)
Enjoy convenience! (out-of-town, too busy)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can participate?
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 .
How do I sign up?
It's a breeze. Just follow these steps:
1. Download the Bank Drafting
Authorization Form or pick up this form at the Collection Center
located at 410 Ring Avenue.
2. Complete the Bank Drafting Authorization 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. Fax the form and voided check or routing information to the City
Clerk and Collector at 727-943-4057 or mail the Bank Drafting
Authorization 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
If you have any questions, contact the City’s Utility
Customer Service Department at 727-942-5609.
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!
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.