Devils Lake Finance/Auditing/Utility Billing Department

Terry Johnston serves at the City Administrator/Auditor for the Devils Lake Finance/Auditing/ Utility Billing Department. Contact Phone Number: (701) 662-7600, extension 221 Fax Number: (701) 662-7612 Address: 423 6th Street NE, PO Box 1048, Devils Lake, ND 58301 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5: p.m. Email Auditing Department

Auditing Office Personnel

Linda Lybeck, Auditing Supervisor
Susan Davidson, Payroll/Accounts Payable Clerk
Saraye Forsberg, Utility Billing/Receptionist

Duties and Responsibilities

The City Administrator is appointed by the City Commission and serves as Devils Lake's Chief Executive Officer. Tasks include leadership in the management of the city and implementing City Commission policies. The City Administrator oversees the day to day functions of the city and coordinates the city departments including police, fire, engineering, finance, assessing, sanitation, public utilities, and public ways. Other departments which have indirect involvement of the City Administrator are the library and airport.

• presents recommendations and information to enable the City Commission to make decisions on matters of policy
• responds promptly and positively to all inquiries and requests of citizens
• disseminates information regarding City activities
• provides input on regional, state, and federal issues which affect the City of Devils Lake
• represents the City Commission in public meetings, before the US Congress, State Legislature, and other elected bodies
• serves on various boards, committees, commissions, and statewide organizations as directed by the City Commission
• maintains a sound fiscal position for the City through the preparation of the annual budget
• conducts audits and studies of fiscal procedures and transactions within the City
• provides continuous monitoring of financial conditions of the City
• manages the human resources functions of the City
• manages the collections of revenues, investment of funds, issuance of bonds, and other indebtedness of the City

The Finance/Auditing/Utility Billing Department is responsible for Special Assessments, Commission Minutes, Commission Agendas, City Insurance Claims, City Ordinances, City Elections, City Budgets, City Sales Tax, Permits and Licenses, Utility Billing, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable.

Current Finance/Auditing Department Commissioner

Home Rule Charter

Budgets

Budget meetings generally begin the middle of August. Adoption
of the budget is the third Monday in September. To get specific
dates of budget meetings, please contact the Auditing Department at (701) 662-7600.

• 2010 Budget
  Tax Levy
  Table of Contents
  General Fund
  Special Revenue Funds
  Debt Funds
  Enterprise Funds
  Trust and Fiduciary Funds
  Component Unit Fund
  

Permits

Most permits require prior approval by the City Commission. Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month. Permits need to be submitted the Wednesday prior to the Commission meeting to be placed onto the agenda.

• Going Out of Business
• Street Dance
• Public Dance
• Parade Permit
• Liquor License
• Game of Chance Permit (City Administrator Approval Only)
• Carnival/Circus Permit
• Transient Merchant Permit
• General Permit
• Use of City Property
• Taxicab Permit
• Taxicab Driver Permit
• Pawnbroker Permit
• Fireworks Permit

Permits and License Application Forms

Fees and Rates

The Resolution Establishing Fees and Rates is approved the third Monday of December and goes into effect January 1st of each year.

• Current Fees and Rates Schedule
• Sales Tax
• Sanitation Rates
• Gaming Permit Fees
• Lodging/Restaurant Tax
• Water and Sewer Rates
• Permit/License Fees
  

Utility Billing

To change the utilities into your name at a business or residence, contact the Utility Billing Department at (701) 662-7600, ext. 221. We must read your water meter before you move in.

To have your utility bill automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account apply for Auto Pay. Auto Pay Application Form

Drop Box Location

Utility bill payments may be dropped off in the drop box located in the front entrance of City Hall.

Stopping Water Service and Charges

To stop billing charges for water, sewer, and garbage, the water meter must be removed from the premises. Call (701) 662-7600, ext. 221 to schedule a date and time for removal. There is a $35.00 reinstallation fee.

Sprinkling Rates

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Summer water rates are in effect from May 1st through October 31st. This means that any water used over your winter average from May to October will not be billed the sewer charge.

Your winter average is based on the amount of water used during the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April of each year.

Checking For Leaks

To check for leaks, check every plumbing fixture at the property, i.e. toilets, sinks, outside sprinklers, washer, hot water heaters, etc. Shut off the valves that supply each fixture, one by one, to find the leak. Keep in mind, there may be more than one leak!

Be sure to check toilets at the property. Toilet leaks are the most common and are hard to see or hear. Put food coloring, kool-aid powder or laundry bluing in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, there is a toilet leak. Also, if you hear the toilet refilling and no one has used it, there is a leak. A major toilet leak can waste 800 cubic feet of water a day - which would cost $15.60 for water and $11.20 for sewer each day. That adds up to more than $800 a month!

Look for leaky faucets, too. A fast drip from a faucet wastes about 265 gallons a day. Repair leaky faucets and toilets promptly - do it yourself or call a plumber because these leaks cost money.

If you are unable to locate a leak and would like assistance, please call (701) 662-7600, ext. 221 to make arrangements for an employee to visit your home or business. If they are able to locate the leak for you, you must hire a plumber to do the repairs or repair the item yourself.

Water Conservation Tips

• Automatic irrigation systems save time and water
• Spot water
• Water the lawn only when needed
• Don't water the pavement
• Water without waste
• Plant drought resistant trees and plants
• Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs
• keep lawn free of weeds
• Accept a less than lush lawn
• Match fertilizer to the plant requirement
• Mow as infrequently as possible
• Mow higher than normal
• Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk
• Don't let the water run while washing the car
• Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and faucets
• Cover your swimming pool
• Use shut-off nozzles on hoses
• Move sprinkler heads away from curbs and sidewalks
• Water at the right time
• Use mulch
• Adjust irrigation based on the weather

Special Assessments

Special Assessment Commission - meet yearly regarding special assessments to be assessed to commercial and residential property. The City Administrator works with City Engineer to determine how special assessment projects should be spread amongst the property owners within the special assessment district. Determination of how special assessments are spread can be based on lot size, front and side yard, property location, or any other data pertinent to the improvement. Assessments are confirmed by the City Commission in October of each year.

Special assessment projects can include, but are not limited to:

• curb, gutter, and sidewalk
• street improvements
• sewer improvements
• water main replacement
• storm sewer reclassification
• beautification projects
• parking district
• tax increment districts
• unpaid city bills including utilities and nuisance billings
  

Special Assessment Form - Get your remaining uncertified balance, annual certified installment, or payoff amounts.

Special Assessment Commission
Special Assessment meeting minutes are available in the office of the City Administrator

Municipal Codes

Devils Lake Municipal Code

• Appointive Officers - Title 2, Chapter 2.12
• Auditor/Finance Officer - Title 2, Chapter 2.02
• Improvement by Special Assessment - Title 3, Chapter 3.11
• Business Licenses and Regulations - Title 5
• Public Services - Title 13
• Special Assessment Commission - Title 2, Chapter 2.17
• Revenue and Finance - Title 3
• Public Dances - Title 8, Chapter 8.28
• Garbage, Refuse, and Rubbish - Title 8, Chapter 8.12
  

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