The City of Lawton’s Utility Billing Division anticipates an unusually high volume of customer traffic this week, as more than 750 accounts are currently scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment.
To mitigate delays, the Utility Billing team has realigned staffing to ensure two employees are present at the front counter at all times. However, manual credit card entry and ongoing discount recertifications will likely add to wait times.
“We want to be upfront with our citizens and let them know that next week will be challenging,” said City of Lawton Finance Director Rebecca Johnson. “We encourage residents to use our online portal to make payments and avoid waiting in line either inside City Hall or at the Utility Services drive-thru building.”
To assist with online payments, customers can refer to a Step-by-Step Customer Portal Guide, which walks users through logging in, adding their account, and completing a payment. The guide is available at https://www.lawtonok.gov/ home.
A second payment drop box is now available along the Utility Services drive-thru building. This option allows customers to quickly drop off payments without waiting in line to speak with a representative. The lane is wide enough to safely bypass vehicles waiting in line, making it a fast and convenient way to pay.
Customers also can call the Utility Billing Office at (580) 581-3308 with questions or payment concerns.
Lawton municipal utility and landfill bills must be paid in full on or before the due date, which is 20 days after the billing date. If not paid by then, a 10% late fee is tacked on.
If the utility bill and the late fee are not paid within 20 days after the due date, “service will be discontinued without further notice and a service charge will be assessed…,” the city code decrees. The service charge varies, depending on whether service is restored during normal business hours or after normal working hours.
Further, utility service “shall not be reinstated or the water turned on by any person until the past due utility bill on such property, together with all penalties, arrears and charges, have been paid and a deposit … shall have been paid in full,” the code provides.