Availability fees are commonly used by municipalities to offset expenses related to maintaining a water system.  An availability fee is a monthly fee imposed on accounts that are in a disconnect status. When an account goes into an "active" status, the availability fee is no longer charged.

Water
Beginning in January of 2013, the City implemented an availability fee for water accounts in "Disconnect" status.  The Municipal Utility Board approved a charge of $17.00 per month for each residential metered water account and $17 per unit for each commercial account.  Accounts used for sprinkler systems only are exempt from availability fees.

Sewer
The Sturgis City Council authorized an availability fee of $18 per month for all residential sewer accounts that are are in "Disconnect" status.  Commercial accounts are charged $18 per unit.