Finance

Here for You
The Finance Department works to maintain the financial operations of the City. The department is also here to serve you. Our staff specializes in assisting with customer needs and directing concerns to other departments. Visit City Hall today or contact us through our Help Desk System for assistance. We can also be reached at (704) 629-5542.

Utility Billing

Utility bills are mailed on or about the 25th of each month and are due by the 10th of the following month. A late fee in the amount of 10% of the outstanding balance will be assessed on all unpaid accounts after the 10th. Services are subject to disconnection after the 15th.

To apply for new services, please visit City Hall Annex or download the application form (found at the top of this page under ‘Customer Service & Finance Documents/Forms’.

An activation fee of $50 is required prior to new services.  Valid photo identification, your social security card and one of the following:

1) signed lease agreement;
2) signed and notarized settlement statement; or
3) signed and notaritzed deed

with the exact service address is required. Once the application has been made, the deposit amount will be determined according to the schedule below. Deposits are not required of homeowners.

Utility Deposits

If applicant does not have a credit score or does not provide a social security card, the Alert amount will apply. The credit score is obtained from Online Information Services and the City does not have specific knowledge or control of the actual credit score.

Please call 704-629-5542 or visit us at City Hall Annex, 125 East Virginia Avenue to obtain the rate schedule. 

Payment Options

• In Office (City Hall Annex Drive Thru): Customer Service hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Cash, check, money orders, debit and credit card (VISA, MasterCard and Discover) are accepted.  Note- certain fees will apply for debit and credit card use.
• After Hours Drop Box: A drop box is available outside City Hall Annex. Envelopes are provided. Please make sure your name, address and account number is included with your payment.
• Automatic Draft: The City offers Automatic Draft from your checking account on or around the 10th of each month prior to late fees being assessed. Contact the office to set this up.  There is not fee for automatic draft.
• Online Bill Pay: You can search your account, view your recent history and pay your bill using your branded debit or credit card (VISA, MasterCard and Discover) using the following link: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/bessemercitync

For home owner gas customers, the City offers “Budget Billing” – an equalized payment plan which spreads the cost of natural gas equally over an eleven (11) month period with catch up on month twelve (12).
Contact Customer Service for details on these payment options. Knowing your account number when you call will expedite service.

Report a Problem or Issue

All calls for services, assistance and complaints should be routed through the City’s Finance & Customer Service Division.  Work orders will be prepared and tracked. Call (704) 629-5542 for all comments and complaints

Audit Reports

FY 2021-2022
FY 2022-2023
FY 2023-2024

Audit Letter and Local Government Commission Planning Memo

2021-2022 Audit Letter (Financial Performance Indicators of Concern) [link]

2022-2023 Audit Letter (Financial Performance Indicators of Concern) [link]

2023-2024 Audit Letter (Financial Performance Indicators of Concern) [link]

Local Government Commission Planning Memo [link]