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Finance Department > Frequently Asked Questions

How to Read Your Bill
What is an average utility bill for a family of four?

 

Monthly Estimated Utility Bill – FAQ

Based on 2024 rates:

Edit
WATER $ 18.79 Base Rate plus $26.30 Consumption $45.09 Water Subtotal
SEWER $ 65.76 Base Rate plus $51.78 Consumption $117.54 Sewer Subtotal
GARBAGE $32.29 for 1-32 Gal   $32.29 Garbage Subtotal
STORM DRAIN $21.84   21.84 Storm Drain Subtotal
Overall Monthly
Billing Estimate
    $216.76 Overall Bill Total

This estimate assumes a family of four living in a single-family home with a typical consumption of 10 hcf of usage along with 1-32 gallon garbage can

 

I just purchased a home in the City of Poulsbo, how do I start Service?

If you have just purchased a home in the City of Poulsbo, it is necessary to activate your account to receive service. Visit the Finance Forms & Resources Page to complete a required “Utility Change of Ownership Form”.  A $20.00 processing fee will automatically be posted to your first billing.

I just sold a home in the City of Poulsbo, how do I stop Service?

When selling your property, please contact Utility Billing (360-394-9724) to schedule a final meter read based on your closing date. When calling, please provide your new or forwarding mailing address, and, if possible the new owner’s information.

I am a new tenant/I have a new tenant at a home in the City of Poulsbo, how do I start/transfer service?

Charges for all services are billed to the property owner at the end of each month of service. The property owner may request the billing be mailed in care of a tenant by completing a “Utility Billing Authorization Form” found by visiting the Finance Forms & Resources page. The City will only accept applications on accounts that do not have a delinquent balance. There is a $10.00 processing fee for this service. Please note:  The utility bill will still be the responsibility of the homeowner, all charges remain against the property.

Now that I have an account with the City of Poulsbo, how can I pay my bill? When is my bill due?

Bills may be paid in person, by mail, over the phone (there will be a $3 convenience fee for phone payments), and online. Please click here to see Paying Your Bill“.  Bills are due by the 20th of each month.

I didn't receive my bill this month, what do I do?

All utility bills are mailed the last day of each month and due on the 20th day of the following month.  If you have not received your bill, please contact the Finance Department (360-394-9724) to verify your correct mailing address is on file.  A duplicate bill can be sent to you upon request.  If this becomes a continual problem, you may want to contact your United States Postal Office (1-800-275-8777).  All bills are due on the due date (20th day of each month) regardless of receipt of the bill.

What day will my garbage and recycling be picked up?

The City operates its own garbage services and provides a curbside recycle program in conjunction with garbage pickup, the fee for recycling is included in the monthly fee garbage rate. Recycle is picked up bi-weekly on the same day as the garbage. Garbage is picked up once a week, Monday – Friday, including holidays. For your garbage day please contact Public Works at (360) 779-4078. All cans must be curbside by 7:00 a.m. and weigh no more than 65 lbs.

What if I have extra garbage?

Prepaid garbage tags can be purchased at City Hall  or online for $12.10 each (one tag per can, box or bag.) For online purchases, please print and attach your receipt to the can, box, or bag.

Untagged garbage will not be collected!

I need to temporarily have a dumpster at my property, what do I need to do?

For temporary dumpster rentals please contact our Public Works Department at (360) 779-4078.

My can is not large enough/is too large, how can I upgrade/downgrade my can size?

Please contact the Finance Department (360-394-9881) or Public Works to make arrangements to change your garbage service.

I put my garbage out on time and it was not picked up, what do I do?

Please contact our Public Works Department to arrange pick up of missed garbage.

Do I qualify for a discounted utility rate?

To view information about Low Income Senior/Low Income Disabled Rates and how to apply if you qualify, visit our Finance Forms and Resources Page.

My house will be vacant FOR an extended period of time, how do I TEMPORARILY SUSPEND Utility service?

If your property is on the City’s water system, you may elect to have the Public Works Department lock off your meter while your home is temporarily vacant. The cost for the turn off/on is $40.00. The water, sewer and garbage charge will be suspended. Your monthly charge will continue for storm drain.  Visit our Finance Forms and Resources Page to locate the “Temporary Suspension of Utility Services” Form to be completed and returned.

Why did my bill go up so much from last month?

It is possible you may have a leak at the property, compare your usage to previous months. If you believe you may have a water leak try these Tips on Finding a Water Leak.

Do I have to pay for the sewer portion of a water leak?

If it has been determined that high usage is due to a water leak, you may be eligible for a credit for a portion of the sewer billing. You will need to complete and submit a “Sewer Billing Adjustment” form found by visiting the Finance Forms and Resources Page.  The request will be reviewed and if Public Works can determine that no water went into the sewer system they will issue a credit to your account. We strongly suggest you pay your account in full by the due date, while the adjustment request is pending review, to avoid accruing any penalties.

What can I do to lower my monthly utility bills?

Conservation of water is not only environmentally friendly, but by lowering your water usage you can save on your monthly utility bill. Did you know that every 100 cubic foot of water is equal to 748.5 gallons of water – All that usage really adds up!  See our Water Saving Tips to help in conservation of water and your pocket book!

Do I have to register my alarm system?

Effective January 1, 2022, the City of Poulsbo will no longer require those with monitored alarms to annually register such alarms with the city.  It will be the responsibility of those with monitored alarms within the city limits of Poulsbo to maintain updated contact information directly with their own alarm company.  Alarm holders could still be subject to fines for excessive false alarms pursuant to PMC 9.12.

Additional information regarding alarm systems can be found on the Poulsbo Police Department page.

WHERE DO I FIND UTILITY TAX RATE INFORMATION?

Utility Tax Rates are located on the Utility Billing page with associated services and on our Taxes page under Utility Taxes. For utility services provided by the City of Poulsbo, utility taxes are included in base charges billed to customers and are not an additional charge. Taxes are calculated on the gross revenue received.