Columbia Settlement agreements ordinance (§ 27-23)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article II. Accounts and Billing
In short: Utility customers who dispute a bill or can't pay it in full may sign a written settlement agreement with the director, though the city decides at its sole discretion. Service can't be shut off for a delinquent account while you comply with the agreement, but it can be if you don't.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) When the director and a customer arrive at a mutually satisfactory settlement of any disputed amount, or the customer does not dispute liability to the utility but claims inability to pay the outstanding bill in full, the director and the customer may enter into a written settlement agreement. The decision to enter into a settlement shall be at the sole discretion of the city.
(b) If a customer is in compliance with the terms and conditions of a settlement agreement, service shall not be discontinued for having a delinquent account.
(c) If the customer fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a settlement agreement, service may be discontinued.
(d)
If a customer complaint or dispute involves the same question or issue presented in a prior complain or dispute, the director may utilize the facts found in the prior complaint or dispute in resolving the current dispute.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-23
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.