Payments must be received by the Collector before the close of business on the due date.
If your bill is not paid by the due date then a notice will be sent to you concerning the late payment. Your balancemay be subject to a late fee. If your bill is not paid within 30 days after the due date then a second notice will be mailed to you concerning the continuing delinquency. You may be subject to another late fee and your water service may be terminated if the bill is not paid within ten business days.
Unpaid bills represent a lien on your property by the Town of Topsfield pursuant to the Massachusetts General Law GLC 40, Section 42A-42F.
Upon sale and/or refinancing of a property, the lendor's and/or buyer's attorney may request a meter reading and/or municipal lien certificate (which lists all charges as of that date) for that property. Upon receipt of the request, the Water Department shall read the meter and render a bill, which is then due upon transfer of the property. If payment is not received at the time of closing, the amount will be included in the buyer's (new owner's) next bill. The new owner is responsible for payment of those amounts due.