Q:  My water bill seems high.  How are the water and sewer charges calculated?

A:  Your utility bill from the City of Lafayette covers water and sewer services.  The basic rate for water service is $37.00 per month and the basic rate for sewer service is $45.00 per month.  These rates are based on a minimum of 0-300 cubic feet of water used per month.  Therefore, a minimum bill would be $82.00 per month.  Sewer rates for new customers are based on the number of people living at the residence.  For established customers, sewer charges are based on the average amount of water you used during winter months of December, January and February.  The City recommends that residents conserve during winter months to keep sewer rates down.  Your water rates are always based on your actual usage.  The meters are read each month on or around the 20^th.  You are more than welcome to read the meter yourself to verify the reading.  The usage is rounded down to the nearest 100 cubic feet.  If you have additional questions on your bill, please contact City Hall.

Q:  What period of time is covered on my bill?

A:  The billing cycle for the utility bills is from the 20th to the 20th (example: October 20 to November 20).  These are the dates that appear at the top of your statement.  Your water meter is read on or about the 20th of each month, the statements are generated after that time, and are mailed out on the last business day of the month.  If you are starting new service or canceling existing service, then your meter is read on the corresponding first or last day of your service.  Current charges are due by the 20th of each month.

Q:  Are there agencies that will provide assistance for my utility bill?

A:  There are agencies in McMinnville that can provide occasional assistance with your utilities.  Yamhill County Community Action Agency (503-472-0457); St. Vincent de Paul (503-472-6216); Salvation Army (503-472-1009) and Community Human Services (503-472-0311) or contact Yamhill 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 on your phone).

Q:  What happens if my account becomes delinquent?

A:  Current charges are due on the 20th of each month.  If your account is not paid by that date, a $5.00 late charge is assessed to your account on the 21st.  A past due reminder/shut off notice is printed and mailed within a week of your account becoming delinquent.  The shut off notice gives a "pay by" date, which is no earlier than 10 days from the mailing date.  On or about the 11th day after mailing the notice, if the past due balance has not been paid, a 48-hour door hanger is delivered to the customer's premises.  A $10 service charge is assessed to the customer's account when the door hanger is delivered.  If payment is not made within the 48 hours, your service may be shut-off and you may be required to pay the full balance and a $30.00 reconnect fee to have service restored.  You can always contact City Hall to make payment arrangements prior to your service being interrupted, in order to avoid shut-off.

Q:  I have a water leak at my residence.  What do I need to do?

A:  If the leak is on your side of the meter, the home owner is responsible for repairing the leak.  Once the leak is repaired, a credit may be issued on your account.  You will need to contact City Hall once repairs have been completed.

Q:  How is the quality of water in Lafayette?

A:  Sources for Lafayette's water are five wells and three springs in the Henry Creek Watershed situated Northeast of the city (the "Lafayette Combined Watershed Sources"); a well near the junction of the Lafayette-Hopewell Highway and Highway 18 ("Well #7"); and a well in Perkins Park in the city ("City Park Well").  A monthly test is conducted on different water sources throughout Lafayette.  A copy of the latest Drinking Water Quality Report for Lafayette is available to you.  Click Here.

Q:  Who provides other services for Lafayette?

A:  Electricity is provided by PGE (800-542-8818); Garbage and Recycling is provided by Western Oregon Waste (503-472-3176); Natural gas is provided by NW Natural Gas (800-523-7661); Local telephone coverage is provided by Verizon (800-483-4000); Cable service is provided by Comcast (888-824-8264).

Q:  Am I allowed to burn debris in my backyard?

A:  Prior to any backyard burning, you must call the Yamhill County burn line at 503-472-3344.  Commercial burning and agricultural burning are not allowed in the city limits of Lafayette.  Only yard debris, trimmings and clippings can be burned in the city limits of Lafayette.  Burning of household garbage, tires, plastic or any other forms of waste is strictly prohibited, and can result in a fine.  For additional information, you can visit Oregon's DEQ website.

Q:  The street light in front of my house is out.  What do I do?

A:  You will need to have the address of the street light, the nearest cross street, and the pole and map number, which are located on the pole.  When you have that information contact PGE at 503-464-7777.

Q:  I received a ticket in Lafayette.  Where do I go for court?

A:  Lafayette Municipal Court handles most traffic citations issued in Lafayette.  Municipal Court is held once a month, the Tuesday after the second Monday, at 4:00 p.m.  If you do not want to appear in court, or are unable to attend on your scheduled day, you may contact the City Clerk to make other arrangements, or make payment on the fine.

Q:  I need police assistance.  Who do I contact?

A:  The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office handles all law enforcement matters for Lafayette.  There are no officers stationed at the City Hall in Lafayette.  You can contact the Sheriff's Office at 503-434-7506. If you have a Police or Fire emergency, call 9-1-1.

Q:  What building projects do I need to get a permit for?

A:  The City of Lafayette requires you obtain: building permits prior to constructing fences and structures (including but not limited to garages, carports, porches, retaining walls, additions); plumbing permits for bathrooms and/or kitchens; and mechanical permits for heating and/or cooling systems and natural gas installations.  Permits are not required for decks under 3 feet in height, sheds under 200 square feet, or concrete slabs.  If you are unsure if you need a permit, please contact City Hall prior to starting your project, or check out our Community Development page.

Q:  My neighbor's dog barks all the time, their music bothers me and they haven't cut the grass in months.  What are they required to do?

A:  The City of Lafayette has adopted ordinances governing such nuisances as dogs, noise, weeds and grass and abandoned vehicles.  If you have a complaint regarding such matters, you may fill out a complaint form at City Hall.  If you have a noise complaint, including barking dogs, after normal business hours at City Hall, you may contact YCOM at 503-464-6500.  Click Here for Lafayette Municipal Code information.

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