(a) Application. This section shall apply to any person who tenders a check, draft, order, or like instrument to any department of the city of Bloomington, including the city of Bloomington utilities.
(b) Surcharge. If a check, draft, order, or like instrument tendered to the city of Bloomington is dishonored or returned unpaid for any reason, the city may charge and collect from the maker or drawer, or the person for whose benefit the instrument was given, an amount not to exceed twenty dollars, plus an amount equal to the actual charge by the depository institution for each returned or dishonored instrument. The charge shall not be considered an interest charge, a finance charge, a time-price differential, or any charge of a similar nature.
(c) Notice—Collection by City—Referral of Dishonored Checks to Prosecuting Attorney. When a surcharge is imposed under subsection (b) of this section, the city shall notify the maker or drawer, or the person for whose benefit the instrument was given, to inform them that the instrument was dishonored or returned unpaid and that the person has ten days after the date the notice is mailed to pay the total amount due, including the surcharge, either in cash or by certified check or money order.
If the person fails to make payment within the ten-day period, the city shall, pursuant to Indiana Code 36-1-8-13, refer the matter to the prosecuting attorney not later than ninety days from the date the city received the dishonored check. (Ord. 05-18 § 2, 2005).