Notice and timing
How delinquency is handled
Grace period after the due date
14 days from the bill date. The City’s current residential and business utility applications state that a 10% penalty is added if the bill is not paid within 14 days of the bill date.
Late-fee calculation
A 10% penalty is added after the bill remains unpaid for 14 days from the bill date. If the account is still unpaid by the due date shown on the second notice, a $50 nonpayment fee is added. The application form does not state a separate daily interest rate or a percentage escalation after the second notice; customers should contact Utility Billing at 361-485-3400 for an account-specific balance and any current payment-plan terms.
Disconnection timeline
The published City documents establish the first 14-day penalty trigger and a second-notice due date, but do not publish a universal 2026 calendar showing the exact number of days between the second-notice deadline and physical meter shutoff. The operational progression is bill date → 14-day point with 10% penalty → second notice with its own due date → $50 nonpayment fee if still unpaid → possible termination under City utility rules. A customer should call before the second-notice date to request an extension or payment plan; the City may refuse or discontinue service if the arrangement is not honored.