How to Pay Your Utility Bill to the City of Veneta: A Complete Guide

Paying your utility bill to the City of Veneta is easy when you know all the available options. The city offers several convenient payment methods for water, sewer, garbage collection and other municipal services. This comprehensive guide will outline the different ways to pay your Veneta utility bill from online payments to auto-debit and more.

Overview of City of Veneta Utility Billing

The City of Veneta provides water, sewer, stormwater and garbage/recycling services to residents and charges for these utilities through monthly billing statements. Usage rates are based on the amount of water consumed and fixed sewer and stormwater rates. Garbage collection has a flat monthly fee.

Utility bills are mailed out monthly and due upon receipt. If not paid on time, late fees apply. The city offers various payment options to easily pay your bill on time every month:

• Online through Xpress Bill Pay
• Auto-pay bank withdrawal
• Phone payments
• Mail-in checks/money orders
• Drop box outside City Hall
• In-person payments at City Hall

Review the step-by-step instructions below to utilize these payment methods for your Veneta utility bill

Step 1: Sign Up for an Online Account

The fastest, most convenient way to pay your Veneta utility bill is through the online payment system, Xpress Bill Pay. This allows you to view billing history, make one-time payments, set up recurring payments and more.

To create an online account:

1. Go to www.venetaoregon.gov and click on “Pay Your Utility Bill”.

2. Click on “First time users click here to register” under the login fields.

3. Enter your 10-digit utility account number and email address. Click “Register”.

4. Create a password and security questions. Agree to the terms and click “Submit Registration”.

You will receive a confirmation email once registered. Then you can login anytime to manage payments.

Step 2: Setup Recurring Auto-Pay (Optional)

For hands-off bill payment, you can enable auto-pay through Xpress Bill Pay so your balance is withdrawn from your bank account each month automatically.

To setup auto-pay:

1. Login to your Xpress Bill Pay online account.

2. Click on “My Profile” and select “AutoPay Accounts”.

3. Check the box next to your Veneta utility account and click “Activate AutoPay”.

4. Enter your bank account information and submit.

Your bill will now be paid on the due date automatically each billing cycle. You can cancel or edit auto-pay anytime.

Step 3: Pay Your Bill Online

Once registered, paying your Veneta utility bill through the online portal takes just a couple minutes:

1. Login to your Xpress Bill Pay account.

2. Locate your Veneta utility account and click “Pay Now”.

3. Enter your payment amount and select a payment method.

4. Click “Continue” then “Confirm Payment” to submit.

You will see the payment instantly deducted from your account. You can also view payment history and printing receipts.

Step 4: Pay by Phone

If you prefer to pay your utility bill over the phone, Xpress Bill Pay offers toll-free automated phone payments.

To pay by phone:

1. Call 1-844-843-6879.

2. Follow the voice prompts to enter your Veneta account number and payment details.

3. Choose your payment method and follow prompts to authorize and submit the payment.

Phone payments can be made 24/7 and will process immediately.

Step 5: Pay by Mail

To send your payment by mail, you need to detach the payment stub from the bottom of your utility bill and enclose it with your mailed payment.

1. Make your check or money order out to “City of Veneta”.

2. Write your Veneta account number on the check memo line.

3. Place your check and payment stub in an envelope addressed to:

   City of Veneta
   PO Box 458
   Veneta, OR 97487

4. Deposit your envelope into a USPS mailbox. Allow 5-7 days to process.

Do not mail cash – checks or money orders only.

Step 6: Pay at the Drop Box

For fast processing without the post office wait, you can drop your payment off 24/7 at the drop box outside Veneta City Hall:

1. Place your check or money order in an envelope with your payment stub.

2. Write your Veneta account number on the check.

3. Deposit the sealed envelope into the drop box slot outside City Hall.

4. Payments left in the drop box by 5:00 p.m. will process the next business day.

As a reminder, do not place cash in the drop box. Only checks or money orders are accepted.

Step 7: Pay In-Person

You always have the option to pay your utility bill in-person at Veneta City Hall:

• City Hall Address: 88184 8th Street, Veneta OR 97487

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm

• Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash

  • Check

  • Money Order

  • Visa

  • MasterCard

When paying in-person, be sure to bring your current utility bill. City staff can look up your account with your Veneta address if you don’t have your bill.

Avoid Late Fees By Paying Before Due Date

Your City of Veneta utility bill is always due upon receipt each month. Due dates vary but are indicated on your statement. To avoid late fees:

• Pay online before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the due date

• Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process and avoid delays

• Use Xpress Bill Pay text/email reminders to get notified when your bill is ready

Setting up auto-pay is the easiest way to stay on top of due dates and have your bill paid on time automatically each month.

Account Management Tips

Here are some tips for managing your City of Veneta utility account:

• Update your contact information by calling 541-935-2191 or updating your online account profile

• Set up paperless billing by going paperless under “My Profile” in Xpress Bill Pay

• Monitor your monthly usage by checking your EZ Read meter daily or frequently

• Compare your current and previous bills to check for abnormal usage

• Check that your payment processed correctly a few days after submitting

• Contact City Hall with any account or billing questions at 541-935-2191

Proactively managing your account this way can help avoid surprises or issues.

Payment Assistance Options

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your utility bill, Veneta offers payment assistance:

• LIHEAP: Low-income energy bill assistance. Apply through Lane County Human Services.

• Project Share: Helps cover heating bills. Apply through Lane Electric.

• Senior/Disabled Citizen Discount: 15% discount for low-income seniors 62+ and disabled persons.

Contact Veneta Utility Billing at 541-935-2191 to learn more and apply for assistance programs if qualified. Temporary payment plans may also be available for those struggling to pay their utility bill.

Avoid Utility Disconnection with Timely Payment

It is important to pay your Veneta utility bill in full and on time each month to avoid account penalties or service disconnection. According to city ordinance:

• Bills 30 days past due receive a late fee equal to 10% of the overdue balance.

• Accounts 60+ days past due are issued a final notice.

• Accounts 90 days past due may have water service disconnected.

• A reconnection fee of $40 applies if water is disconnected.

• Service will only be restored once the full balance is paid.

Avoid fees and inconvenient shutoffs by paying on time. The city provides payment notifications and reminders to help customers remember due dates.

Moving Out? Close Your Utility Account

When moving out of Veneta, you must close out your utility account with the city for final billing:

1. Submit a stop service order with your move out date online or by calling 541-935-2191.

2. Provide a valid forwarding address and contact number for your final bill.

3. The city will take a final meter read on your move out date.

4. Your final bill will be mailed to your new address within 2-3 weeks.

5. Make final payment upon receipt to avoid late fees.

Closing your account ensures you aren’t still liable for utility usage or bills after vacating your property. This prevents unnecessary fees down the road.

Opening a New Utility Account

When moving to Veneta, opening a new utility account with the city is required to establish services.

To start service, complete the utility service application at City Hall or online. Provide:

• Your name, contact info and move-in