St. James, MO

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Utilities Frequently Asked Questions

Municipal Utilities Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

St. James Utilities is a municipally owned utility. We provide electric, water, sewer, and natural gas, sanitation and service/maintenance.

Where are you located?

Our Customer Service Office is located inside the St. James Municipal Center at 100 S. Jefferson, St. James, MO.

What are your Business Hours?

The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed National Holidays. There may be times of training or emergency situations that would cause the Office to be closed. If you have any questions, please contact us at 573-265-7011, ext. 5.

Who do I call with questions about recycling or trash?

The City of St. James Sanitation Department handles all questions concerning recycling and trash removal in the city. They can be reached by calling 573-265-1144 or 573-263-9568

What is Level Pay?

Level Pay is a completely volunteer opportunity that may make it easier on you to pay your utilities bill. Level Pay does not allow you to pay less than you owe. The full amount due must always be paid in full. What it does is allows you to build a credit on your utilities account. There is nothing to sign up for. This is maintained by you. You may start or stop Level Pay at any time. We have several customers that have been taking advantage of this plan and now have enough credit that they can skip a payment or two around the holidays or tax time, simply because of the amount they have paid ahead of time.

If you are interested in Level Pay, we can run a 12-month history to let you know the average cost of your utilities for those twelve (12) months. The bills are normally lower in the spring and early fall. The months of April, May, September, and October are usually the best months to start Level Pay. At this time, you could begin to pay more than the amount owed on your statement. After paying ahead a few months you will begin to build a credit balance. When you have a credit built up, it decreases the amount due. Please note, the computer will take the credit off the balance due. Be sure and note the “Current Amount Due” so you can continue to pay ahead and build the credit.

Example:
Amount Due                $100.00
Payment                      $200.00
Balance                       -$100.00 (Credit Balance)

Let’s say your next bill is $125.00. The computer will take that $100.00 credit off the balance due and show $25.00 due. At this point, you continue to pay the $200 next month you will have $175.00 credit (before the bill). Hopefully by the time the big bills hit you will have sufficient credit balance built up so you only pay the $200 instead of $300.00 or $400.00.

Please see the examples below:

DATE	NEW CHARGES	YOUR PAYMENT IS	BALANCE DUE (a minus sign (-) indicates a credit balance)
03/31/2022	$154.76	$160.00	-$5.24
4/30/2022	$132.88	$160.00	-$32.36
5/31/2022	$143.47	$160.00	-$48.89
6/30/2022	$113.73	$160.00	-$95.16
7/31/2022	$139.03	$160.00	-$116.13
8/31/2022	$110.87	$160.00	-$165.26
9/30/2022	$117.73	$160.00	-$207.53
10/31/2022	$103.92	$160.00	-$263.61
11/30/2022	$168.44	$160.00	-$255.17
12/31/2022	$180.87	$160.00	-$234.30
1/31/2023	$302.94	$160.00	-$91.36
2/28/2023	$250.31	$160.00	-$1.50

How do I sign up for e-bill?

SJMU can now email your monthly bill to your email address, all we need is an email address. If interested call the office at 265-7011, ext. 5 and request to be set up for e-bill.

What methods of payment do you accept?

There are several options you may use when paying your utility bill. They include: Cash (in office), Money orders, Checks, Cashier Checks, Debit/Credit Card (in office, online or over the phone).
A 2.5% Fee is applied to all Credit/Debit Card Transactions.

You can also set up an ACH (pay your bills automatically from your checking account the 7th of every month). The ACH form is available at our office or online at ACH Bank Draft - Utility Payment.pdf (revize.com).

Who do I call to locate utility lines before I dig?

St. James Utilities is a member of MO ONE CALL service. just call 811 or visit https://www.mo1call.com/ at least "2 Full Working Days" but not more than 10 calendar days prior to the start of your excavation and they will notify St. James Utilities.

What information do I need to turn service on?

For residential Service: All parties must be present. Service address, turn on date, name of responsible party, mailing address, daytime phone number, driver's license or state issued ID, date of birth, Social Security number, Employer name, address and phone number of employer, marital status: If married, spouse's name plus all of the above information. The same information is required for all roommates.

What information do I need to turn service off?

If possible, we advise coming in at least 2 days in advance to accommodate your desired date. If you are moving from one location to another within the service area there is a $20.00 fee.

Where do I mail my payment?

Payments can be mailed to STJMU, 100 S. Jefferson, St. James, MO 65559.

Will I be required to pay a deposit? If so, how much will it be?

You will be required to pay a deposit. Deposits are based on the services provided. For residential customers, the minimum deposit amounts are: With a letter of credit for the previous 12 month period, must show zero penalties, or late payments - $100.00. All services - $300.00 Water service only - $50.00 For business customers the deposit is based on estimated utility use and will vary.

When will the deposit be refunded?

Deposits are refunded after the customer discontinues service and has paid the final bill.

If I am unable to pay within 14 days is it possible to get an extension for payment?

Payment extensions are not granted at this time.

If the bill is not paid, will service be disconnected?

If payment is not received by the due date a letter will be sent notifying you of the date of disconnect, if the payment is not received before the disconnect date service may be disconnected until the bill is paid. There will be additional fees & deposits if you are disconnected.

What can I do if my water has a strange smell or taste?

Sometimes, strange tastes or smells in water can be caused by it sitting in the water main or water heater for too long. This can be a particular problem near the end of lines. The smell should dissipate after being regularly used for a period of time.

How are sewer charges calculated if there is not a meter on my sewer line?

Sewer charges are calculated based on the amount of water that you use.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Emergency calls can be taken in the office during regular business hours. After hours, during weekends and on holidays, emergency calls should be made to the following numbers- For an Electric Emergency Call 573-263-0707, For a Water or Sewer Emergency Call 573-263-6728, for Gas Smell or Gas Emergency Call 573-265-3777.

How can I get on the level pay program?

Level pay is ideal for customers with fixed or limited incomes or anyone who wishes to know with certainty what their bill will be each month. If interested in finding out about the details of level pay please call customer service at 573-265-7011, ext. 5.

Can I have my bills automatically deducted from my bank account?

Yes. Our ACH program makes it possible for you to have your monthly bill automatically deducted from your checking account. To enroll for the program, you will need to complete an ACH Authorization Form and attach a VOIDED CHECK. Forms are available at the SJMU Utilites Office or online at ACH Bank Draft - Utility Payment.pdf (revize.com)