* Ordering new electric, water, and sewer services:

A meter deposit is required
with service order:
residential/electric & water $35.00
commercial/large $300.00
commercial/small $150.00
24 hour advance notice is suggested.

* Utility Bills:

mailed by the first week of the month due on or before 20^th of each month (if the 20^th falls on Saturday, Sunday or holiday, your bill must be in City Hall drop box before 7:30 am the next working day postmarks are not honored). Shut-off approximately 14 days after the 20^th of each  month with special fees required:
$20 shut-off fee
$20 reconnect fee
$60 reconnect after hours

* Summer Sewage Rates:

City offers allowance for residential sewer usage rates for your July, August, September, and October sewage bill. This provides for citizens to water lawns, etc. during summer months without additional
sewage charges.

* Sanitation Service:

Weekly trash/garbage is provided to City Residents only(single and double family dwellings) A charge is added on your utility bill.  Contact Utility Office, 248-5100 for more details. Questions regarding solid waste should be directed to
National Serv-all 
Albion Division @1-800-877-2896

* Recycling:

County operated - all inquires should be directed to BFI at
1-800-724-0234.

*Spring Clean-up:

 City-wide clean up for city residents only. Date of service and items that will be allowed is published in local newspaper. This day allows for city residents to clean house and have discards hauled away at no charge. There is a charge for appliances and tires to be hauled away.

* Limb Pick-up:

Limbs and brush are picked up every  Monday and Tuesday of each month, April through November. This is for city residents only. Limbs/brush should be placed at the normal area of trash pick up and out by 7:00 AM on the designated Thursday morning, as only one pass will be made in each neighborhood (check local newspaper for scheduling).

* Leaf Pick-up:

Leaf pick-up for city residents begins when most leaves have fallen from trees, leaves should be raked between curb and sidewalk (never in street, no bagging). Leaves are composted and are free to public in early spring of following year.

* Street Sweeping

All city streets are swept on Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM (citizens are to have their vehicles removed from street during this time). The downtown area will be swept on Thursday morning between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, residents are asked to have vehicles off streets during these hours.

* Snow Removal

All city streets are plowed before any alleys are plowed (citizens are asked to please remove vehicles from street to allow for curb to curb plowing). Salt/sand is applied to intersections only (sand is applied to alleys as needed). Citizens are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of each weather occurrence (it is recommended to allow the snow plow to pass before cleaning your sidewalk).

* Greenhill Cemetery

Cost $300.00 per lot. $350.00 grave open and close fee. (weekends and holidays $400.00). See City Clerk-Treasurer for details at 248-5100.

* Downtown Parking

Two hour controlled parking in downtown area (no exceptions) $5.00 charge for parking violation if paid within 13 days at Utility Office, first floor of City Hall. On the 14^th day, fine is $35.00 and payable at the City Attorney’s Office, 202 West Van Buren St, Suite A, Columbia City.

* City Council

Is legislative body of city government, Columbia City Common Council - Meets second and fourth Tuesday each month at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, 2^nd floor of City Hall.

* Board of Works

Is responsible for administrative management of all City Depts. Columbia City Board of Public Works - Meets every Friday morning at 8:00 AM in the Council Chambers, 2^nd floor of City Hall.

* Communication Department

Open 24 hours a day. Located on first floor of City Hall, Answers City emergency 911 calls Answers all Police Department business calls (248-5121) Answers all emergency calls for Municipal Utility after normal working hours.