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Utility Billing & Customer Service

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1. How do I set-up service?

To set-up service, you may complete the Utility Service Application Form and pay the $25.00 Service Activation fee. Additionally, a credit check is performed  to determine if a deposit will be required.  Deposits range from $0.00 to $200.00 and must be paid in addition to the Service Activation fee.  Because of the credit check, the application process must be finalized in person at Town Hall located at 200 Tom Hall Street, weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application must be in 48 hours in advance of the service beginning date to ensure service is in place by that date.

2. What happens to my deposit?

The Town of Fort Mill  will retain the deposit until such time service is terminated. At that time, the deposit will be applied to the final bill.  Should there be any deposit remaining, it shall be processed for refund within 45 days of the final billed cycle and mailed to the last known address.

3. How can I pay my bill?

• You can pay online with a credit or debit card.
• You can sign up for Automatic Draft Payment from your checking or savings account.
• You can pay in person by coming into Town Hall at 200 Tom Hall Street.
• You may place your payment in the night depository located on the inner wall of the main drive-through window.
• You can mail a check or money order in the envelope that comes enclosed with your statement.

4. How do I disconnect my service?

If you are moving and need to disconnect or stop your existing service, please fill out our Customer Service Activity Form, print it, and return it to the Fort Mill Business Office located at 200 Tom Hall Street (located within Town Hall).

5. Why is my bill so much higher than my neighbor's bill?

Your neighbor’s bill does not reflect what may occur in your household. People will have different watering preferences and habits. Some customers are more conservative than others. A better comparison results from your own prior year’s usage against the current year’s usage.

6. I have a leak! Who do I call?

Always call the Town of Fort Mill Utilities Department at (803) 547-7158. This number can be used during business hours as well as in an after-hours emergency. Staff will be dispatched to determine the severity and whether or not the leak falls under the Town’s responsibility or if you will need to obtain a plumber. Note: plumber invoices will not be reimbursed by the Town.

7. Why am I charged sewer usage on irrigation water that runs through my domestic meter?

The reason that sewer usage is charged on irrigation consumption through a domestic water meter is due to the fact that we have no feasible way of measuring or calculating accurate usage of irrigation water. This can be resolved by having an irrigation meter installed. With an irrigation meter,  your charge will reflect the exact amount of water used by your irrigation system. Please visit our page on irrigation meters for more information.

8. What is a Boil Water Advisory?

This is a notice issued in the event of a water main break where customers may experience a brief interruption of service or a reduction in normal water pressures. Once repaired, the affected area will be thoroughly flushed and tested to assure that no contamination has occurred. As a precautionary measure until test results can be reviewed, customers may be advised to boil water intended for drinking or cooking vigorously for at least one full minute prior to use. Also, any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.

9. What is a sewer backflow?

A blockage in your private plumbing system or in our sewer main in the street can cause a sewer back-up. If you experience wastewater backing up into drains or toilets in your home, contact the Utilities Department (803-547-7158) or a plumber immediately.

Help prevent sewer clogs and backflows:

• Only flush approved materials down your toilet, or your sink drains. Flushing anything else, even wipes and other products labeled "flushable" can cause blockages.
• Don’t pour grease down the drain. Grease builds up in pipes over time and can eventually lead to a complete blockage.
• Replace damaged sewer clean-out caps. These white plastic caps cover the access to your home’s sewer service line. Make sure it’s clearly marked and accessible, and replace it if it’s damaged to prevent debris from entering your sewer line.
• Keep an eye on tree roots. Tree roots can cause damage to your private sewer line. In the event of a sewer backflow, the Town of Fort Mill Utility Department primary objectives are to protect the safety, health, and wellbeing of the members of your household or business; identify the source of the problem; and see service restored as quickly as possible.

If you experience a sewer backflow at your home or business, you should immediately take any necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of the members of your household and to safeguard your property. We also suggest you begin documenting any expense incurred by you as a result of your sewer problem as this will greatly assist you in filing any claims for your damages.

10. What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?

Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) is a condition in which untreated sewage is discharged from a sanitary sewer into the environment prior to reaching sewage treatment facilities. The Town of Fort Mill Utilities Department works closely with SC DHEC in reporting any overflow as soon as possible in order to protect the health and environment of our residents.  

11. What is the difference between the state accommodations tax and the local accommodations tax?

State Accommodations Tax The state accommodation tax is a mandatory 2 percent charge applied to all accommodations statewide. Accommodations are defined as "the rental or charges for any rooms, campground spaces, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations furnished to transients by any hotel, inn, tourist court, tourist camp, motel, campground, residence, or any place in which rooms, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations are furnished to transients for a consideration." These dollars are distributed back to cities and counties by a formula based on point of sale.  Local Accommodations Tax County and municipal governments may impose a local accommodations tax by ordinance adopted by a positive majority of the entire governing body. The cumulative rate of the tax may not exceed 3 percent. A county government may not impose an accommodations tax exceeding 1.5 percent within a municipality without consent by resolution of the municipal council.

12. Who approves accommodations tax expenditures?

State Accommodations Tax A municipality receiving more than $50,000 in revenue from the state accommodations tax must appoint an advisory committee to make recommendations for how the revenue generated from the accommodations tax should be spent. The advisory committee consists of seven members, with a majority being selected from the hospitality industry of the municipality or county receiving the revenue. At least two of the hospitality industry members must be from the lodging industry, where applicable. One member must represent the cultural organizations of the municipality receiving the revenue. The advisory committee submits written recommendations to the municipal council at least once annually regarding the expenditure of state accommodations tax proceeds. The municipal council may accept, reject or modify these recommendations. The council must submit an annual report detailing use of the state accommodations tax proceeds to the state Tourism Expenditure Review Committee. TERC is an 11-member committee that reviews the tourism related expenditures funded with state accommodations tax revenue. Local Accommodations Tax There is no requirement for an advisory committee for local accommodations tax expenditures. The municipal council is solely responsible for approving local accommodations tax expenditures unless otherwise established by the council.

13. Are there restrictions on the use of the accommodations tax revenue?

Yes, state law is very specific about how cities and counties can spend state accommodations tax revenue. The first $25,000 is deposited into the local governments general fund, 30 percent of the balance must be allocated to a special fund for the exclusive use of tourism advertising and promotion, and the remaining balance must be used for tourism-related expenditures as defined in SC Code Section 6-1-530. Local Accommodations Tax Local Accommodations Tax proceeds must be used for tourism-related projects and programs as defined in SC Code Section 6-1-530.

14. What is the Local Hospitality Tax?

The Local Hospitality Tax is a tax in the amount of two percent (2%) applied to the total amount of the charge for prepared or modified foods and beverages intended for immediate consumption and sold within the municipal limits of the Town of Fort Mill.

15. Where do I send the taxes collected under the 2% Hospitality Tax?

The taxes collected under the 2% Hospitality Tax should be sent to the following address: Hospitality Tax Town of Fort Mill PO Box 159 Fort Mill, SC 29716 Do not send these revenues to the State of South Carolina as part of your normal monthly reporting to the Department of Revenue.

16. What are the benefits of the Local Hospitality Tax?

The Local Hospitality Tax may fund the following projects: (1) the construction, repair, and other capital-related needs of tourism-related buildings, including, but not limited to, civic centers, coliseums, and aquariums; (2) the construction, repair, and other capital related needs of tourism-related facilities, including, but not limited to, cultural, recreational, or historic facilities; (3) tourism related beautification projects; (4) the construction, repair, and other capital-related needs of highways, roads, streets, and bridges to serve tourism-related demand; (5) advertisements and promotions related to tourism development; and (6) the construction, repair, and other capital-related needs of water and sewer infrastructure to serve tourism-related demand.

17. What sales are subject to the Local Hospitality Tax?

All food, beverage, and alcohol sales in bars, restaurants, and other food establishments are subject to the Local Hospitality Tax. Specifically, all food and beverage items that are prepared or modified by convenience stores, grocery stores, and other similar establishments, and that are intended for immediate consumption, are subject to the Local Hospitality Tax. In establishments such as arcades, amusements, and theaters, the sale of prepared or modified foods and beverages such as fountain drinks, popcorn, and nachos, are subject to the Local Hospitality Tax. Caterers are not subject to the 2% tax.

18. Who is responsible for collecting and remitting the Local Hospitality Tax?

The establishments providing the prepared or modified foods and beverages are responsible for the collection of this tax from patrons and are liable to remit collections to the Town of Fort Mill.

19. How will the Local Hospitality Tax be remitted to the Town of Fort Mill?

Each establishment providing such prepared or modified foods and beverages must submit, each month, the Town of Fort Mill’s Local Hospitality Tax Reporting Form to the Town of Fort Mill. This form will require the establishment to disclose its monthly gross proceeds from the sale of foods and beverages subject to the Local Hospitality Tax, even if that amount is zero. For those establishments which owe the Town of Fort Mill an amount in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) per month, the establishment must remit the amount owed on a monthly basis, along with the Town of Fort Mill’s Local Hospitality Tax Reporting Form. For those establishments which owe the Town of Fort Mill an amount between twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and fifty dollars ($50.00) per month, the amount must be remitted quarterly, on or before the twentieth day of each of the following months, for the preceding quarter: January, April, July, and October. For those establishments which owe the Town of Fort Mill less than $25.00 per month, the amount must be remitted annually, by the twentieth day of January, for the preceding calendar year.

20. What if an establishment’s payment to the Town of Fort Mill is late?

A penalty of five percent (5%) of the unpaid amount for each calendar month or portion thereof shall apply.

21. Does the Local Hospitality Tax Act stipulate a business implementation credit for start-up costs?

No, the Local Hospitality Tax Act makes no such provision.

22. How will the funds generated by the Hospitality Tax be allocated in future budgets?

The allocation of funds will be designated each year during the budget process. The Town Manager will bring a recommendation to the Town Council on how the funds may be allocated during that process. Town Council will consider that recommendation and determine if any changes need to be made prior to the adoption of the Town budget.

23. How will the Town conduct audits of the Hospitality Tax?

Any audits will be done in compliance with state law and will follow the same procedures that are used under the business license ordinance.

24. Can the Town Council establish a Hospitality Tax advisory committee?

State law makes no provision for an advisory committee. Town Council may choose to direct the Town Manager to appoint an advisory committee that would make recommendations to the Town Manager. These recommendations would then be incorporated as a part of the annual budget process and considered by Town Council at that time.

25. How do I calculate the taxes to be remitted to the Town under the 2% hospitality tax?

This is an example of how to calculate the your Hospitality tax:  

1. Total of all revenue for all foods and beverages prepared for immediate consumption $ 50,000  

2. Multiply this number by 2% x .02   

3. The result is the amount to be remitted to the Town of Fort Mill, not the S.C. Department of Revenue. 

The 2% hospitality tax is to be remitted to the Town on a monthly basis, along with the Town of Fort Mill Hospitality Tax form, and is due on or before the 20th day of the month and should cover the tax due for the previous month.