City of Rocky River, Ohio

Division of Sewer Billing

The sanitary sewer fees collected by the City are used to:

  1. Pay the City of Rocky River portion necessary for the operation of the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant;

  2. Provide funds for both sanitary and storm sewer line repair and replacement;

  3. Employ the Sewer Department staff;

  4. Provide resources for maintenance and repair of the collection system (sewer pipes, interceptors, catch basins, pump stations, etc.);

  5. Pay the billing costs.

The sanitary sewer rates are as follows:

Rate per MCF for Bill Date
$38.00 Previous Rate
$40.50 September 1, 2025
$43.00 September 1, 2026
$45.50 September 1, 2027
$48.00 September 1, 2028

MCF is an abbreviation for one-thousand-cubic feet; one MCF equals approximately 7,480 gallons.  Charges are calculated and billed to one-tenth (1/10) MCF of water used.  Please be aware, there is a minimum charge of one unit (or MCF) per quarter. 

 

Based upon a recommendation from the City Administration, in June 2025, City Council passed an ordinance to authorize the City’s sanitary sewer rates as shown in the above chart.  The amount captioned as “previous rate” had been in place since bill date December 1, 2012.

Billing

The City has in place what may be considered budget billing as you might have in place for your electric or natural gas utility service at your home. The annual billing schedules is as follows:

Quarter Bill Type Period Covered Bill Date Payment Due
Annual Adjustments March 1, prior year to February 28, current year June 1, current year June 30, current year
1st Estimates March 1, current year to May 31, current year June 1, current year June 30, current year
2nd Estimates June 1, current year to August 31, current year September 1, current year September 30, current year
3rd Estimates September 1, current year to November 30, current year December 1, current year December 31, current year
4th Estimates December 1, current year to February 28, current year plus 1 March 1, current year plus 1 March 31, current year plus 1

Since the City of Rocky River pays a fee per account to purchase the meter readings from the City of Cleveland, Division of Water, using this budget billing method means the meter reading data is purchased just once a year; otherwise the City would pay for the purchase of meter reading data four times a year. At any time, you may provide the City with a copy of your water bill to adjust the estimated billing to the actual amount of water consumption. Also, City of Rocky River, Codified Ordinances, Section 914.19 provides that sewer charges are a lien. Any unpaid charges will be annually assessed to the property that receives the service.

Online Access to Sewer Account Information and Bill Payment

The online access to sewer account information and bill payment is available at the following link:

Your water consumption and account information is available from the City of Cleveland, Division of Water at (216) 664-2444. A portal is also available to view water consumption and account information at:

  FAQ’S FOR OUR NEW PAYMENT PORTAL! 

What is this new payment portal - Citizen Portal?

Citizen Portal is an online payment portal that we have partnered with Paya, a Nuvei company, for our utility bill payments. You access your account from this website, https://rockyriveroh.payacp.com/home

Where can I learn more about Paya?

Simply visit www.paya.com to learn more about our new vendor!

If I had an account with another service, do I have to create a new account in Citizen Portal?

Yes, the accounts do not carry over, so you will need to go through the quick and easy process of creating a new account in Citizen Portal. To do so, please visit: https://rockyriveroh.payacp.com/home

Does it cost anything to sign up for online bill payment?

It's free to sign up for online bill payment, enroll in Auto Pay, Text N Pay or e-billing.

If I was previously enrolled in Auto Pay, do I need to re-enroll in the new portal?

Yes, the auto pay does not carry over, so you will need to enroll in Auto Pay once you create a new account in Citizen Portal (see above).

Are there fees associated with making a payment through the Portal?

Yes, there are processing fees that will be assessed, which are lower than our previous payment portal. Those fees are: 3.50% or credit card transactions and a flat fee of $1.95 for ACH transactions. These fees also apply to any auto-payments that are made.

What payment methods can I use?

You can pay your utility bills with a credit or debit card, or through a checking or savings account. We also offer Auto-Pay and Text & Pay programs that allow you to use your preferred method of payment.

What information is available in the Portal?

Account balance, bills and payments are available as well as the ability to enroll in Auto-Pay, e-Billing, and Text & Pay. Portal users can also see current billing address, phone number, and email address that are on file with us.

Do I need to pay my bills from my computer?

Not at all. You can pay your bill from anywhere in the world! All you need is access to the Internet through a Web browser. You then log in to your account using your e-mail address and password. No need to worry about late payments if you’re out of town when your bill is due.  AND – if you enroll in Text N Pay, you can make a payment right through your cell phone!

How do I know the payment went through?

After you complete the transaction, you will receive a Payment Confirmation on the next screen as well as a receipt emailed or texted, your preference.

What payment options do I have?

We work to ensure you have a variety of payment options available at home or on the go. You can pay Online with any browser from a laptop, PC or Phone, take advantage of our Auto-Pay option or Text n Pay.

Is my information safe?

Absolutely. All the transactions are handled on secure servers and are fully PCI compliant (Standards set for ensuring secure transactions). What is PCI Compliance? Click here to read more.

Late Payment Penalty

To encourage timely payments and ensure resources are in place to accomplish sewer projects, late payment penalty is in place.  City of Rocky River, Codified Ordinances, Section 914.17 provides for a penalty of 10% of the unpaid account balance.  A penalty waiver may be requested once during the life of an account.

Staffing / Contact Information

The sewer billing is overseen by Kimberly Waltz, Sewer Charge Administrator and supervised by Michael A. Thomas, CPA, Director of Finance and supported by other Finance Department staff all of whom may be contacted through the City Hall telephone number (440) 331-0600 with any questions or concerns.