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Beaumont, Texas - Paying a water bill at the corner store may be convenient, but it could turn in to a costly hassle.
The City of Beaumont is urging residents to pay their water bills directly through the city, or through authorized third-party businesses contracted to process utility payments. Paying a utility bill through an unauthorized vendor is risky, and could result in the payment arriving late, or not at all, with no recourse for the customer.
"We want to make bill payment and service delivery as easy and seamless as possible, whether our customers pay us directly, or use our authorized agents," said Laura Clark, Chief Financial Officer. "Unfortunately, third party vendors are not required to have a contract with the city to accept utility payments, and if they do not have an agreement with us, we cannot track or verify payments. Customers are still responsible if that vendor pays late, or does not pay at all, even if the customer has paid on time."
Clark says citizens are free to pay their bills where they choose, but if they do so through an unauthorized merchant, they have essentially entered into a contract with that merchant at their own risk.
"Particularly in the case of past-due bills, we advise that customers pay directly at City Hall, or online at cityofbeaumont.com," Clark said. "Because it can take up to three business days to process a payment from an outside merchant, the customer risks having their water service disconnected, as the payment would not be posted to the account in time."
Authorized payment centers are located throughout the city for customer convenience:
- City Hall Cashiers: 801 Main St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Kroger #325: 3965 Dowlen Road, every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Kroger #328: 3845 Phelan Blvd., Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beginning soon, authorized vendors will have a sign posted indicating their status with the city.To verify the status of a vendor, customers can call 409-785-4797, or check the water customer service page at the city's website. Payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 521, Beaumont, TX 77701. Online payments can be made at www.cityofbeaumont.com.
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