How to Pay Your Utility Bill to the City of Bemidji

Paying your monthly utility bill to the City of Bemidji is quick and easy through several convenient payment options. This article outlines the available bill payment methods, provides tips for on-time payment, and explains what to do if you need to make payment arrangements.

The City of Bemidji provides water, sewer, and garbage collection utility services to local residents and businesses. They make paying these monthly bills fast and simple through online, phone, mail, or in-person payments. Read on for full details on how to pay your City of Bemidji utility bill.

Online Bill Pay

The easiest way to pay your Bemidji utility bill is online through the city’s web payment portal. To pay online:

• Visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us and click on “Pay Utility Bill”.

• On the payment page, enter your account number and last name

• Select whether you want to make a one-time payment or setup recurring payments.

• Enter your payment details and submit

Online payments can be made by debit/credit card or e-check You’ll receive an email confirmation when your payment is processed

Pay By Phone

Call (218) 759-3579 anytime to pay your City of Bemidji utility bill over the phone. You’ll need to provide your account number and billing address. Accepted payment methods are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit card, or e-check. A convenience fee applies to credit/debit card payments.

Pay By Mail

Mail in a check or money order using the payment stub and envelope included with your monthly paper utility bill. Be sure to write your account number on the check and allow enough time for postal delivery before the due date. Do not mail cash payments.

Pay In Person

Visit Bemidji City Hall at 317 4th St NW during business hours to pay your utility bill in person. You can pay by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card at the front desk. City Hall is open 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.

Drop Box

A 24-hour drop box is located outside the south entrance of City Hall. Place your payment (check or money order only, no cash) in an envelope with your account number written on it. Payments left in the drop box before 8am will be processed that business day.

Automatic Payments

For hassle-free utility bill payment, enroll in automatic payments through the city’s online bill pay system. Your payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the due date each month. To signup, login to your account and complete the auto-pay enrollment form with your details.

Tips for Paying Your Bill On Time

Avoid late fees and service disruption by making your utility payments to the City of Bemidji on time every month. Follow these tips:

• Mark your specific due date on your calendar since it varies each month.

• Pay a few days early to allow for processing time if paying by mail.

• Sign up for email reminders through the online payment system.

• Utilize auto-pay to ensure your bill gets paid automatically.

• Contact the city immediately if you anticipate issues with on-time payment.

• Update your contact information so the city can reach you about past due notices.

• Know late fees are assessed if payment is received after the due date.

Staying organized and planning ahead will help you maintain a good account status.

What to Do If You Can’t Pay on Time

If you are unable to pay your City of Bemidji utility bill by the due date, take these steps:

• Call (218) 759-3564 right away to discuss a payment plan or extension.

• Ask about one-time assistance programs if you meet low-income requirements.

• See if you qualify for a payment arrangement to pay past due balance over time.

• Request a payment due date change to better align with your pay schedule.

• Inquire about budget billing to even out costs over a 12 month period.

• Apply for energy assistance programs to help cover heating bills in winter.

The city will work with you on options to help avoid service disruption if you contact them before your account becomes delinquent.

Late Fees and Disconnection Policy

If your City of Bemidji utility bill is past due, you will be subject to late fees and potential service disconnection:

• A 10% late penalty is applied to past due account balances.

• Accounts with unpaid prior balances receive a 15-day disconnection notice.

• If the past due amount remains unpaid after 15 days, your service will be disconnected.

• A $25 fee is charged for reconnection once payment is received.

Avoid these extra fees by paying on time or setting up a payment plan if you anticipate a late payment.

Payment Arrangement Tips

If allowed a payment plan for your past due utility balance, follow these tips:

• Make sure you understand and agree to the payment terms including dates and amounts due.

• Setup automatic payments if possible to ensure on-time installment payments.

• Monitor your account status regularly and contact the city immediately if issues arise.

• Stick to the agreed upon schedule to avoid penalties and keep services active.

• Ask questions upfront if any part of the arrangement is unclear.

Close communication and follow through are key for successfully completing a payment arrangement with the city.

Special Programs for Assistance

If you are struggling to keep up with utility payments, the City of Bemidji offers assistance programs including:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Helps pay a portion of winter heating utility bills.

• Water Sewer Refuse Aid Program – Offers a credit up to $9/month for low-income residents.

• Minnesota Energy Assistance Program – Provides federal money to help cover home heating costs.

See if you qualify for one of these programs to help ease the burden of utility costs.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

The City of Bemidji accepts a variety of payment methods for utility bills including:

• Cash – Accepted for in-person payments only.

• Personal Check – Include your account number written on the check.

• Money Order – Make payable to City of Bemidji.

• Debit/Credit Card – Visa, Mastercard and Discover accepted online, by phone, or in person.

• E-check – Use your checking account and routing number to pay online or by phone.

Review your available payment options and choose the one that best suits your needs each month.

Can You Pay Partial Payment?

Yes, the City of Bemidji allows customers to make partial payments on utility bills prior to the due date. However, you must pay the remaining balance by the due date to avoid late penalties. If unable to pay in full by the due date, call the city right away to discuss payment plan options.

Avoid Late Fees with Reminders

Since utility due dates vary each month, it can be easy to forget when your Bemidji bill is due. Set yourself reminders by:

• Enabling text/email alerts through the online payment system.

• Writing the due date on your calendar when you receive the bill.

• Setting a reminder in your phone to check your account a few days before due date.

• Calling the city to confirm your specific due date each month.

These simple steps will help you avoid costly late payment fees.

In Summary

Paying your monthly water, sewer, and garbage utility bill to the City of Bemidji is fast and convenient through online, phone, mail or in-person options. Sign up for account reminders, utilize auto-pay, and contact the city immediately if issues arise with on-time payment. Payment plans or assistance programs are available for those facing financial hardship. Keep your city account in good standing by paying on time each month.