Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up an account with New Hanover County for Inspections, Landfill, and Wastec? Obtain a credit application from the Finance Office. Complete the application, have it notarized, and return it to our Legal Department. The Legal Department checks credit references and approves or disapproves the application. If approved, Finance will set up the account and inform the applicant.

When is billing done for Accounts Receivable and what are the terms? The Finance Department closes the billing period on the last day of the month. Bills are mailed no later than the 5th of the following month. Payments are due by the 20th of the month in which they are billed. If not paid timely, a 1.5 percent late penalty is charged on the amount due. Accounts over 60 days past due can be terminated.

How can charge privileges for New Hanover County Inspections, Landfill, and Wastec be regained after termination? A new application must be completed and processed as a new account request.

Is the Employee computer loan program open? Yes, effective July 1, 2004. Please contact Charlene Larkins at 798-7187 for details.

Does the County Finance Department finance mortages and automobile loans? No, these are not functions of the department.

What can happen if I fail to pay debts I owe to New Hanover County? (1) A small claim action could be filed in District Court to seek a judgment for money owed. (2) New Hanover County may intercept your State income tax refund to satisfy the debt. (3) Your account could be referred to a credit reporting agency to reflect an unpaid debt on your credit report.

What are the consequences of writing a worthless check to New Hanover County? (1) A $25 processing fee will be added to the amount of the check. If the principal amount of the check and the porcessing fee are not paid to New Hanover County, the worthless check is referred to the District Attorney. (2) The District Attorney's Office adds a $50 fee to the amount of the worthless check. The bad check passer has the opportunity to pay this $50 fee along with the full amount due to New Hanover County in order to avoid criminal prosecution.

Can the County discontinue my sewer service due to nonpayment? According to Chapter 56, Article III, Section 56-282, of the New Hanover County Code, service can be discontinued until the account and applicable fees are paid in full.

Why do I have to connect to the County sewer system if I have a septic tank? New Hanover County Code Chapter 56, Article III, Section 56-104 requires discharge of wastewater into a public sanitary sewer from property under county jurisdiction. Property owners must make application and connection to the public sanitary sewer within 6 months of notification from the County Engineering Department.