City of Zachary

FAQs

Utilities Billing

How much is the water/ gas deposit for new utility services?
Water deposit $150.00
Gas deposit $250.00

When can I get my new services connected and put in my name?
You can start your services anytime during our office hours 7:00 - 5:30 Monday through Thursday. We do not guarantee "same day" for starting services. 

What will I need to bring when I set up my water/ gas services?
Valid driver's license or state ID. Lease agreement or purchase agreement. Only cash, check or money order is accepted for water/gas deposit.

Can I start my new utility services over the phone?
No. You will need to come into the Utility Cashier Office in person for all new services.

Does someone need to be present at my home while my new services are being turned on? 
Yes.

Where is my water meter located? 
Most water meters are found toward the front of your property, near the street, in a box in the ground.

Can my water meter help me determine if there is a leak on my property? 
Absolutely!  The great thing about your water meter is that you can use it to check for leaks both inside and outside of your house.  If you suspect that you have a leak, the first thing you’ll want to do is turn off ALL water-using sources in your house.  Make sure that nobody is taking a shower and that the dishwasher and washing machine are turned off. Leave your water off for the next ten minutes.  While your water is off, go out to your meter and look for the tiny triangle on your gauge.  If the spindle continues to move while everything is shut off, it means you probably have a leak.

If you have an automatic sprinkler system, turn off all of the irrigation valves, as these can sometimes leak water as well.  Once the valves are shut off, go back to the meter and look at the spindle dial.  If it is no longer moving, congratulations, you’ve found your culprit.  Otherwise, the leak is probably coming from somewhere inside your house such as one of your toilets, faucets, or shower valves.

Always make sure to cover your water meter back up after you are done looking at it

Does the City of Zachary light my gas pilot? 
No. The City of Zachary does not go into the home for any reason. 

Can I end my current services over the phone? 
Yes. You can call the Utility Cashier Office at 225-654-6871, verifying the last four digits of the social security number whose name is on the account.  Please have the forwarding address available.

Where do I call for billing questions?
The City of Zachary Utility Office - 225 654-6871

What form of payments does the City of Zachary accept?
The City of Zachary accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. The City of Zachary also offers draft payments from checking or savings accounts. Credit/Debit cards will not be allowed for initial start-up payments.  Also, the City of Zachary offers a Utility Payment Kiosk, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is located in the front exterior wall of the City Hall Annex. Customers making late payments and have received a cut-off notice are encouraged to conduct their transactions directly with a cashier to avoid service interruption, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. All offices are closed on Friday. 

WALK-IN PAYMENTS
Payments can be made in person at the City of Zachary Cashier's Office, located at 4650 Main St, Zachary, LA 70791. Office hours are from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, Monday - Thursday.  All offices are closed on Fridays. 

MAIL PAYMENTS
All checks must be made payable to the "City of Zachary" or "COZ." 
Mailed to 
City of Zachary
P.O. Box 310
Zachary, LA 70791

NIGHT DROP BOX 
The City of Zachary offers two night deposit drop boxes. One drop box is located in front of the City Hall Annex Building to the left of the Utility Cashier door. The other drop box, a convenient drive-thru is located on the west side of the City Hall Annex at the south end of the parking lot. Please do not put cash in the drop box. The City of Zachary is not responsible for cash payments. 

DRAFT PAYMENTS 
The City of Zachary offers draft payment from your checking or savings account. To set up, fill out a draft form and attach a voided check from your bank. Call the Utility Cashier Office at 225-654-6871. We can fax, mail, or e-mail you the bank draft form. Please return form and voided check to our Utility Cashier Office. 

PAY BY PHONE
The City of Zachary offers a Pay by Phone option for residential and business customers.  Using Pay by Phone, customers can call 225 654-6871 to pay your bill over the phone using credit or debit card.  The Pay by Phone option allows you to pay your City of Zachary utility bill 24 hours a day.  Please note that a 3% convenience fee will be included.   

UTILITY PAYMENT KIOSK (JACK) Justified Automated Collections Kiosk
Residents have the option of added convenience by using JACK, our self-service utility payment kiosk, located in the front exterior wall of the City Hall Annex. The walk-up kiosk is well-lit and secure for quick and accurate transactions. JACK accepts cash, check, and debit/credit cards.  Cash payments round-up to the nearest dollar amount.  Payments are posted on the next day. 

Can I change my payment due date? 
No. At this time, due dates cannot be changed. 

Does the city offer discounted rates for senior citizens?
Yes. If you live inside the city limits, you will qualify at the age of 65. Make sure your city bill is in your name to qualify. Please bring a valid license or state ID to the Utility Cashier Office to sign up for the senior rate. 

Can I set my utility account to equal pay (level pay) for each month?
Yes. You must have had water/gas services for at least 12 months to qualify. Contact Utility Billing at 225-654-1903.

I have a miscellaneous fee of $15.00 on my bill. What is this fee for? 
When starting new utility services, you will be billed a one-time processing fee of $15.00. This fee is going to be on your first utility bill. Please call our Utility Cashier Office at 225-654-6871 if you receive this fee more than once.

How does the city determine my sewer user rate? 
Your sewer user rate is based on the average use of your water consumption. This rate is re-averaged once a year in August, and goes up 4% in January. This is a fee from East Baton Rouge Parish for processing sewer. For questions regarding sewer user rates, please call 225-389-5378.

My water services were disconnected for non-payment. What is the latest time during the day I can come in to pay my bill and have services turned back on? 
The latest time you can come in is 5:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday, for water services to be turned back on for that same day.  After 5:00 p.m. you will have to wait until the next business day unless you pay an after hour fee of $50.00, your past due balance, and a $25 non-payment fee.