When are the 2009 applications due?
All applications for the 2009 billing period are due by July 31, 2009. If you were approved in 2008 for an adjustment, 501(c)(3) stormwater exemption, or stormwater credit, you do not have to reapply.
Addresses for submittals are printed on the first page of every application. Applications may also be e-mailed to stormwater@coj.net.
Electronic applications are also available. Click here for details.
Stormwater fee credit awarded based on applications received after the July 31 deadline will be applied to the fees for the following year.
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Do I have to reapply for 2009?
You do not have to reapply if you were approved in 2008 for an adjustment (bill correction), a 501(c)(3) stormwater fee exemption, or a stormwater fee credit.
The following programs require annual application:
*Stormwater Fee Low-Income Exemption
*Solid Waste Fee Unoccupied Residence
*Solid Waste Fee Private Hauler
(The solid waste fee private hauler exemption has been rendered permanent on a limited number of properties with exceptional circumstances.)
You may also apply again if you were previously approved for an adjustment (correction) but once again need to correct your property's billing characteristics.
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Can I submit my application with my payment?
No. The Tax Collector's Office will not process applications. Please use the mailing address listed on the application.
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Can I submit my application in person?
Applications will be accepted if hand-delivered to the address listed on the application; however, post mail or e-mail is preferred.
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How can I check the status of my application?
The customer service representatives at 630-CITY (2489) can check your account to see if we have received an application. Or, you can use the Online Access to City Fee Accounts.
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I have already submitted an application, but it now appears to be an old version. Do I need to submit a new one?
No. All previous versions of applications will be accepted.
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Should I wait to pay until I hear about my application?
That decision should be made by each applicant. No late penalties will apply until a decision is rendered on applications received before July 31.
However, it is ultimately the property owner's responsibility to ensure the account is paid on time. The city will not be responsible for applications that are not received by the deadline. Refunds will be provided to successful applicants who have already paid.
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How will I know when a decision is made?
How applicants are notified depends on the status of their account(s) when the final decision is made. Property owners may not be directly notified when a property type is changed to non-billed, or on applications that are denied but accounts are paid.
If an application is approved for a paid account, a refund check will be generated and mailed to the owner's address on the city fee account.
If an application is approved or denied on an account that is unpaid, the applicant will receive a new bill.
Property owners may appeal denials, but new bills must still be paid by the due date. Refunds will be granted upon successful appeals.
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What if I'm denied? Can I apply again?
If you receive notice that you are denied before the application due date, you may re-apply. Applications received after the posted deadline will be considered for the next billing period.
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Why was my application denied?
The representatives at 630-CITY (2489) will be able to convey to you the specific reason why your application was denied. Usually, denials are a result of a misunderstanding about the purpose and basis of charge for the fees.
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What if I want to appeal the denial?
We have set up a process by which denied applicants may appeal the decision. Who ultimately handles appeals depends on the situation:
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Stormwater and solid waste fee adjustments (corrections) and 501(c)(3) exemption appeals are considered by the Director of Public Works.
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Low-Income exemption appeals are considered by the Director of Recreation and Community Development
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By ordinance, stormwater fee credit appeals will be heard by the City Council committee overseeing utilities (currently TEU).
Individuals who wish to appeal their application denial must submit a fully completed and signed appeal form:
City User Fee Request to Appeal [PDF 52K]
Incomplete forms will be returned without consideration. Appellants are encouraged to consider the basis of the denial and provide sufficient documentation to support a reversal of that decision.
If your account is unpaid, you should have received a new bill with your denial notice. Submitting an appeal does not constitute an extention of that bill's due date. Refunds will be provided for successful appeals.
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What if my appeal is denied?
Appeals are considered carefully, and the city makes every effort to research the situation and consider all supporting documentation provided by the appellant prior to rendering a decision. When a denial is rendered, it is final. Outstanding balances are payable as charged.
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