Maria Roberson Utility Billing Clerk

300 North Mill Street
St. Louis, MI 48880
Phone: (989) 681-2137, ext 2240
Fax:  (989) 681-3842
Email: mroberson@stlouismi.com
Office Hours:  8:00am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Keith Risdon Public Services Director

300 North Mill Street
St. Louis, MI 48880
Phone: (989) 681-2613
Fax:  (989) 681-3842
Email: krisdon@stlouismi.com
Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The City provides Electrical, Water, Sewer and Solid Waste/Trash services to its residents. The City's Utilities departments are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For after hours service, you can contact the City by calling Central Dispatch at (989) 875-7505.

View Current Rates and Fees under documents

Contractors

Refer to the Public Works and Utilities Department for more information.  The Utility Inspection Permits, Water System Tap and Sanitary Sewer Tie-In Applications can be found under documents to the right.

Residents/ Homeowners

All needed documents are found under the Residents Folder at Documents to the right.

To open a new account for services, complete the Residential Application for Utility Services form and present a valid government issued photo ID.

Changes to existing accounts also require presentation of a valid government issued photo ID.

Multiple payment options are available.

To request an extension of time to pay your utility bill, please complete and submit the Extension for Time to Pay Utilities form.

Landlord/Renters

Documents

All the forms you need are here.

All needed documents are found under the Landlord & Renters Folder at Documents to the right.

Utility bills in the City of St. Louis are a lien against the property.  With the owner's consent, a tenant can be billed directly, however, should the billings become delinquent, the owner will remain liable (see below).

To add a name to a utility bill, landlords must complete and submit Add Name to Utility Bill form.

To terminate an account when a tenant moves out, landlords must complete and submit a Move Out Confirmation form. This form can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to the Utility Billing Clerk (contact information above).

Both landlord and tenant can find payment options here.

Renters who wish to request an extension of time to pay utility bills must first receive approval from the landlord, and then submit a request by filling out the Extension for Time to Pay Renters form. Landlords should be aware that the City is required by law to offer electrical shutoff protection services. These must be applied for by the customer and we CANNOT notify you if you have a tenant that has done this.

Current policy is that deposits are required only on rental units which the Landlord has issued a Utility Waiver of Lien Privilege Affidavit or on Apartment Complexes which are in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

Landlords may monitor their rental unit bills by viewing current active accounts on-line.   Note that inactive (move-out) accounts are not available on-line and inquiry of the status of those should be made to the Utility Billing Clerk  (989) 681-2137 Ext. 2240.

Please return all applications to City Hall.

Commercial Customers

All needed documents are found under the Commercial folder under Documents on this page.

To open a new account for services, complete the Commercial Application for Utility Services form, present a valid government issued photo ID, and present either a copy of proof of ownership OR a Utility Waiver of Lien Privilege Affidavit and lease agreement. All documents must be submitted at City Hall.

Changes to existing accounts also require presentation of a valid government issued photo ID.

Multiple payment options are available.

Utility Waiver of Lien Privilege

What is the Waiver of Lien Privilege? Delinquent utilities can become a lien on the property and added to property taxes. However, state statute and city ordinance provide that in a lease situation the City will waive its right to put a lien on the property IF the proper paperwork and security deposit are filed with the City.

What is the Waiver of Lien Privilege? Delinquent utilities can become a lien on the property and added to property taxes. However, state statute and city ordinance provide that in a lease situation the City will waive its right to put a lien on the property IF the proper paperwork and security deposit are filed with the City.

The security deposit is equal to four (4) times the average monthly bill for the property. This figure was established based on utility schedule and shut-off procedure timing. By the time an account is delinquent and subject to shut-off, an additional month-and-a-half of service has been incurred. When shut-off is complete, 2 3/4 months of service has not been paid, plus past due penalties and interest on any shut-off fees. Furthermore if a customer is granted an extension under current guidelines, there may be one additional month owed. If the City does not put a lien on the property, it must pursue other collection avenues, which results in additional costs. Thus a 4-month deposit is necessary to protect City interest and prevent incursion of additional fees that would be absorbed by other utility users. The security deposit may be paid by the tenant or landlord. If the landlord pays the deposit, it will need to be replenished when there is a change in tenants. Note: Security deposits are not applied until accounts are closed. A security deposit does NOT prevent shut-off or past dues.

What is needed to properly execute a Waiver of Lien Privilege:

  • Completion of Residential Application for Utility Service form (by the tenant).
  • Copy of Driver License or Alternate Government Issued Picture Identification (from the tenant)
  • Copy of an executed Rental Agreement (must include proper language on utility responsibility)
  • Completion of Utility Waiver of Lien Privilege Affidavit form(tenant and landlord).
  • Security Deposit (4 times average monthly billing)

Financial Hardship Assistance

For financial assistance call 2-1-1 (888-636-4211) for a directory of help organizations. OR text your zip code to 898211. OR https://www.mi211.org

Here is a list that the City Customers have worked with recently:

  • MI Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers help with utilities on/off during the heating season. Contact Gratiot County MDHHS at 1-844-464-3447 or visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs to apply for assistance.
  • St. Louis Office of Human Services is a Non-Profit organization that supplies money, goods or services to the poor. They offer a food pantry, clothing, and assist with utility bills. Contact OHS at 989-681-4289 or stop in at 232 N Mill St. in St. Louis for further information.
  • Alma Salvation Army offers to help those in need with their utilities, food and basic needs. By contacting Jodi Harless at 989-463-2864, you can set up an appointment or visit their website at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/Alma/.
  • emPower by TrueNorth is a community services program which aids in qualified families throughout 64 counties in Michigan with heat/utility bills. Visit www.truenorthservices.org or call 231-355-5880 for assistance.
  • Eight-Cap, Inc of Gratiot County provide financial assistance for eligible persons for utility bills among other types of needs. Contact an 8Cap agent at 989-463-5693 or visit https://www.8cap.org/gratiot-county-cs for further information.

Additionally there are many religious organizations and churches that offer financial assistance.