How to Pay Your City of Ames Utility Bill: A Local’s Guide

As a long-time resident of Ames, I’ve paid my fair share of utility bills to the city over the years. While writing checks and mailing in payments works, I’ve found the City of Ames offers even easier ways to pay my water, electric, and gas bills online, by phone, or in person.

In this article, I’ll outline the various payment options for City of Ames utility customers Whether you prefer the convenience of automated payments or need in-person customer service, the city has you covered. As a ratepayer myself, I appreciate how Ames continues to enhance utilities services and billing for locals. Read on for pro tips on painless utility bill payment as an Ames resident

Pay Instantly Online via the Customer Portal

The fastest, most convenient way to pay your City of Ames utility bill is through the online customer portal. You can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account.

Here’s how to pay online

• Visit the City of Ames utility payment website.
• Click “Pay Now” and log in or register your account.
• Select a payment amount and your payment method.
• Enter your bank account or card details and submit payment.

Online payments via bank account are completely free. Credit and debit cards incur a third-party processing fee I recommend setting up auto-pay from your checking account for hands-free utility payment

Pay via the IVR Phone Payment System

The City of Ames offers an automated phone payment system you can call 24/7 to pay your bill. To use the IVR system:

• Call 515-239-5500 from your landline or mobile phone.
• When prompted, enter your 10-digit account number.
• Follow the voice instructions to select your payment amount and method.
• Confirm your details and the payment will be processed.

The automated phone payment option is super quick and convenient, especially for recurring payments. The main downside is credit/debit card transactions incur a processing fee.

Mail a Paper Check or Money Order

If you prefer paying bills the old-fashioned way, you can still mail your utility payment to the City of Ames. To pay by mail:

• Send a check or money order made payable to “City of Ames”.

• Include the payment stub from your utility bill or write your account number on the check.

• Mail your payment to:

  City of Ames
  P.O. Box 811
  Ames, IA 50010

• Allow 5 business days for delivery to avoid late fees.

Mailing a paper check costs postage but remains a simple option. Just be sure to send your payment well ahead of the due date.

Pay In-Person at Ames City Hall

For those who prefer face-to-face payment, you can pay your City of Ames utility bill in person at City Hall. Payments are accepted:

• Monday to Friday from 8AM – 5PM at the Finance Department counter.
• Until 6PM on the bill due date in the drop box at the south entrance.

City Hall accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards. The address is:

515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Paying at City Hall allows you to process payment same-day and get assistance from customer service staff. But you’ll need to go during business hours.

Use the Drive-Up Payment Dropbox

For a quick, no-contact payment option, use the drive-up utility payment dropbox located in the south parking lot of City Hall. To use the dropbox:

• Place your check or money order in a sealed envelope.
• Write your 10-digit account number clearly on the outside.
• Drive up and drop your envelope into the secure box anytime.

Payments dropped off by 6PM each day are processed same-day. The drive-up box offers easy after-hours payment without going inside City Hall or dealing with mail delays.

Pay via Automatic Bank Draft

For the ultimate in bill payment convenience, sign up for automatic bank draft payments through the City of Ames. This automatically deducts your utility payment from your checking or savings account each month.

To start bank draft payments:

• Download the bank draft authorization form from the city website.
• Complete the form with your account details and signature.
• Attach a voided check and mail everything to City Hall.

Bank drafts occur on the due date each month, so you never have to worry about late fees again! It’s free and easy – the most convenient way to pay.

Receive Due Date Reminders

Don’t want to miss a payment deadline? Sign up to receive due date reminders from the City of Ames utilities. They offer email and text message reminders before your bill is due each month.

To set up reminders:

• Log into the online customer portal
• Click your name and account settings.
• Opt to receive reminders by text and/or email.

Automatic reminders help you remember to pay your bill on time every month. I definitely recommend signing up to avoid any late payment penalties.

Tips for Stress-Free Bill Payment in Ames

Here are my top tips for easily paying your City of Ames utility bill:

• Go paperless with e-billing to prevent lost bills.
• Sign up for auto-pay bank drafts for hands-off payment.
• Set payment reminders to avoid missing due dates.
• Pay a few days early each month to account for mail time.
• Contact Customer Service if you have bill questions.

Take advantage of the city’s various payment options for easy, convenient utility bill management each month. The automated systems make it quick and painless to pay on time, every time.

The City of Ames Makes Paying Utility Bills Simple

As an Ames local, I appreciate how many choices the city provides for fast, easy utility bill payment. From the user-friendly online portal to convenient automated systems, they offer flexible options that fit every lifestyle.

The City goes above and beyond to serve Ames residents. Utility billing is just one example of how they utilize technology and great customer service to make our lives a little easier. Whether you love the convenience of autopay or prefer handing a check to a staff member, paying your bill is quick and simple.