Utility Service

Application for Service

The following is required when applying for utility services:

• Completed account application
• Authorized picture identification
• Renter: copy of lease, land contract or rental verification form
• Owner: copy of Deed of Trust or Warranty Deed
• $200 Deposit
• $25.00 non-refundable Administrative Fee

Note: All responsible parties must appear in person with ID before an account can be activated.

Transfer of Service

When transferring from one address to another within the Village limits, all parties must appear in person with ID to complete a Transfer Request form. A deposit may be required. A $25.00 transfer fee will be applied to the first bill at the new address.

Service Termination

A Request for Termination form must be completed and turned in to the Utility Department at least one (1) day prior to shut off. A forwarding address and contact number is required.

If you do not pay your utility bill by the 15th of the month a 10% penalty will be added. If payment is not received by the 30th of the month, service will be terminated. A shut-off fee is added to your account. Failure to receive the notice does not excuse the fee or prevent the disconnection. (We cannot accept payments in the field; you must come into the office.) Re connection can only be done during regular working hours of 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Utility Billing

A deposit is required from all Village utility customers to start service, unless you have an established account that has been inactive no more than six (6) months. If you are a resident renter your deposit will be applied to the final bill of the account when service is terminated. If you are the resident owner of the property, and you have established a pay good record of two (2) years, your deposit will be refunded. There is also a $25.00 non-refundable administrative fee for all new and transferring customers.

Utility bills are sent out before the last week of each month, and are due on or before the 15th of the month. If you do not receive a bill by the 4th working day of the month, contact the Utility office. Failure to receive a bill does not excuse payment of the bill or assessment of a penalty. 

Village of Hicksville Recycling Schedule 2024                          2024 WSR fee schedule

For convenience, the Village offers automatic deductions from a customer’s checking or savings account to pay the bill each month.

The utility customer also has the option to budget their payment each month using flat billing. After establishing a good pay history for 12 months, their account is averaged and they pay one set amount for the next 11 months. Each month their meter will be read as usual, and their consumption will show on their monthly bill. On the 12th month they will be billed for the actual usage for the past 11 months less any amount they have already paid.

Payment Locations

Payment may be made in person, by mail, or by using either the drop box in the lobby of the Municipal Building or the drive up box in the alley.

Billing History

Customers can pick up a copy of their billing or payment history free of charge from the Utility Clerk. (picture ID is required).

Meter Reading

All meters are read during the first week of the month to be calculated, printed and mailed on the last day of the month. Readings may be estimated during winter months if the snow, ice or freezing temperatures prevent the meter reader from exposing the top of the meter pit. We do not open meter pits during such weather as it exposes the meter to the possibility of freezing. If your bill is estimated it will be averaged based on your past 12 months consumption. High usage notices are sent at the discretion of the Utility Clerk. Please note that the Utility Department does not take responsibility for “heading off” leaks or high usage; overseeing the condition of private plumbing networks is solely, and without exception, the responsibility of the owner, landlord or tenant of the property.

Meter Tampering

The State of Ohio has a law, ORC 4933.19, which makes tampering with Village meters or equipment illegal, and establishes penalties for violations. Penalties are prescribed for the following illegal acts:

1. Interfering with or bypassing a water meter or attachment to impede or reduce correct registration of the meter.
2. Knowingly consuming any water which has not been correctly registered on the meter due to tampering.
3. Reconnecting water service that has been disconnected or shut-off due to non-payment or other reasons.
4. Knowingly consuming any water which has been unlawfully reconnected.

Anyone found guilty of these illegal acts may be subject to a maximum of five (5) years in jail or a maximum fine of $2,500.00, or both. In addition, persons convicted must pay the value of the eater stolen and for any damaged equipment.

Proof that a meter, pipe, valve or other attachment has been tampered with or reconnected is presumptive evidence that the customer or user has caused the tampering or reconnecting. It is no longer necessary to catch a person in the act of tampering or reconnecting.

Additional Services Available

Garage Sale Permits

There is no charge for Garage sale permits but are required – rules available at the Utility Department.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are available from the Hicksville Fire Department $ 5.00 each and no charge to senior citizens. Donated and installed by the Fire Department (availability limited at times).

Rural Mailbox Signs

Mailbox signs are $15.00 each. Reflective address signs make it easier to locate in an emergency.

Child Finders

Orange “child finders” are attached to the window where your child sleeps so in the event of a fire or other emergency firemen can easily locate and rescue your child. Child Finders are available at no charge.

Toilet Dye

Toilet dye is available at no charge. Toilet dye strips are available to periodically check your toilet for tank leaks.

Trash Bag Stickers

Stickers are $1.75 each.