Finance Services

Utilities, Occupational Tax, Property Tax, Vehicle License Fee, Deposits, Water Consumption

Customer Service for Utility Customers

To set up or terminate water, sewer and garbage service call Customer Services at (678) 785-1000. The City requires an application and deposit to set up an account for water/sewer and garbage pickup. You may fax the application to (770) 459-7003 or mail it to 571 W Bankhead Hwy, Villa Rica, GA 30180. Deposits can be paid by cash, check, money order or credit card.

Mr. Felton Hall

First senior to apply for new water and sewer discount:
Mr. Felton Hall

Occupational Tax Application

Unless specifically exempt under state law, an occupational tax is required for anyone who:

Maintains a business location within Villa Rica limits or
Solicits business within Villa Rica (personally or through agents) or
Picks up or delivers goods or services within Villa Rica.

Separate occupational taxes are required if there is more than one type of business.

Download an occupational license application or obtain one by fax, mail or e-mail. Return with fee to Planning and Zoning Department.

The home occupation ordinance also applies if a business is located in your home and the same application is completed for an in-home business. Home Business Tax Certificate Affidavit

The sign ordinance explains requirements for signs.

Businesses that sell or serve alcohol must also obtain a beer and wine license.

Call (678) 785-1022 or e-mail rpeele@villarica.org for more information.

Property Taxes and Assessments

The Carroll and Douglas County Tax Commissioner and Tax Assessor offices handles all assessment, valuation, billing and collection of property taxes for the City of Villa Rica. Call or visit the appropriate office based on the county in which you live. If problems or questions arise, call the Carroll County Tax Commissioner's office at (770) 830-5843 or the Douglas County Tax Commissioner's office at (770) 920-7272.

Vehicle License Fees

The Carroll and Douglas County Tag & Title offices handle all billing and collection of taxes and license fees for vehicles. You may call the Carroll County Tag office at (770) 830-5826 and the Douglas County Tag & Title office at (770) 949-2309.

Unclaimed Deposits and Overpayments

The City of Villa Rica, like other governments, financial institutions, etc., keeps a record of unclaimed money it is holding that belongs to individuals. The City wants to return this money. Balances in closed utility accounts, payment to vendors, Police Department bonds and leftover deposits for reservation of Recreation facilities account for most of the unclaimed money. Amounts range from a few dollars to $890.

How the Money is Held

When a customer makes a water/sewer deposit, the City deposits the money and when the account is closed the City writes a refund check for the remainder of the deposit after the final bill deduction and the check is mailed to the customer's last known address. If it returns undelivered, the City adds the money to a suspense account and adds the customer name, date, reason and amount to a list of unclaimed money. In addition, checks that are outstanding for an extended amount of time are voided and reissued and mailed to the original address. If the check remains un-cashed the Finance Department tries to locate the customer/company to whom the check was written and if unable to locate, the check is added to the same suspense account. The list is updated as needed.

What Happens if it Remains Unclaimed

State law requires that government agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies and other businesses turn over unclaimed money to the state after a certain amount of time depending on the source. The state has no time limit for filing claims. It holds unclaimed money in trust for the rightful owners forever. Visit the Georgia's state web site at http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/unclaimed/new.shtml. For more information on unclaimed money, contact: Larry Wood at (678) 785-1012 or email: lwood@villarica.org or Cindy Samples at (678) 785-1013 or email: csamples@villarica.org

Utility Companies (Other)

Contact Information for electricity, telephone, gas & cable TV.

Water Consumption - High Usage

If you experience a high utility bill, you may want to consider the following:

Frequent watering of your lawn or flowers
Frequent washing of cars at home
Leaky faucets
An increase in the number of people in your house
Plumbing problems
A toilet that continues to run after flushing
Silent toilet leaks (put food color in the tank, do not flush; if color seeps into the bowl, you have a "silent leak")
Broken water lines (check your yard for wet spots)
Spinning water meter indicator (lift top of water meter; if indicator is spinning and you are not currently using water, you have a leak)

For more information regarding high water consumption, please call Customer Services at (678) 785-1000. For drought information and water conservation tips please go to http://www.vrdrought.org

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