FAQs • Brooks, AB • CivicEngage

What does it mean if my unpaid utility charges were “transferred to taxes”?: Unpaid utility charges which are due and payable may be transferred to taxes if payment arrangements have not been received or the account has not been cleared up in full, at any point after 30 days of the billing date.
Once utilities are transferred to a tax account then payments must be made to the 10-digit folio number found on the Property Tax Notice rather than the 13-digit utility account. If you are paying online your will need to select the payee that includes the words “Brooks Tax” and not the word “Utilities” since you are now making a payment to your arrears tax account.

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Utilities

1. What is included on my bi-monthly utility bill?: Your bi-monthly utility bill includes charges for your previous two months of garbage, recycling sewer and water consumption. Bills are mailed or e-mailed by the 15th of the month following a billing period. Billing history and bi-monthly water consumption information is available through the City’s Online Account Information portal

2. What are the billing periods?: Bi-monthly billing periods for customer accounts starting with “001” are:
- December/January
- February/March
- April/May
- June/July
- August/September
- October/ November
Bi-monthly billing periods for customer accounts starting with “002 and 003” are:
- January/February
- March/April
- May/June
- July/August
- September/October
- November/December

3. How much is a typical utility bill for a family of four?: Based on an average water consumption of 35 m³ every 2 months your bi-monthly invoice would be $165.70. Please note this amount is based on an average consumption. To learn more please refer to
Utility Rates

4. How can I get a summary of my utility billing and consumption history?: You can access your billing history through Online Account Information.

5. Am I still charged if I don’t use any utility services?: Yes, base rates will apply. Please refer to Utility Rates

6. What is the recycling fee?: The recycling fee is a basic charge for all residential and commercial accounts supporting the recycling program. Recycling Program

7. Why is my business charged for Commercial garbage base rate when we do not have any garbage pickup with the City of Brooks?: Commercial garbage base rate applies to all commercial account to support the regional landfill.

8. What does it mean if my unpaid utility charges were “transferred to taxes”?: Unpaid utility charges which are due and payable may be transferred to taxes if payment arrangements have not been received or the account has not been cleared up in full, at any point after 30 days of the billing date.
Once utilities are transferred to a tax account then payments must be made to the 10-digit folio number found on the Property Tax Notice rather than the 13-digit utility account. If you are paying online your will need to select the payee that includes the words “Brooks Tax” and not the word “Utilities” since you are now making a payment to your arrears tax account.