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1. My utility bill seems high. What can I do?

Electric and water bills are based upon meter readings that measure the amount of electricity and water consumed in the billing period. Meters are read on as close to a 30 day schedule as the calendar (weekends and holidays) and the weather permits. When the bill appears too high, first check that there are not a few extra days in the cycle or if there was a change from normal routines during the billing cycle. If you still feel the bill is too high, please contact the Department of Finance. We will then recheck the meter reading, and if necessary, test the meter for proper functioning. If the meter was misread or malfunctioning, the bill will be adjusted accordingly.

2. I had a water leak and now my bill is much higher than normal. What can I do?

In the event of a leak, the Town's policy does provide for an adjustment to the bill, but only after the leak is repaired and water consumption returns to a normal level for one billing cycle. After repairing the leak, contact the Department of Finance with evidence of the repair. The policy provides that the sewer portion of the bill will be adjusted based upon the average water usage for the account.

3. Who can access the electric or water meter?

If you have a water or electrical emergency, after hours, weekends or holidays, please notify the Police Department immediately by calling (540)635-2111. They will contact Town staff who are on-call. Only Virginia licensed and bonded plumbers or contractors who have permission from the Town, as well as authorized Town employees, are permitted access to Town meters. All others shall be assessed a tampering fee of $1,000. It is very dangerous to attempt to access electrical equipment. If you have been turned off for non-payment contact the Department of Finance.

4. Can garbage charges be removed from my utility bill?

The owner or occupant of each residential unit, office, retail and wholesale business, church, public building, and any other building or unit, provided such structure is connected to the Town's water and sewer system, whether using or not, shall pay a charge to the Town for its collection of solid waste.

In the event that the owner or occupant of any retail or wholesale business, residential unit, office, church, public building or establishment shall exhibit to the Town Treasurer a signed written contract with a private garbage collection business, providing for the collection of garbage, ashes and trash, then said owner or occupant shall be relieved of the payment of any of the aforementioned monthly fees for the term of said contract.

5. Does the Town offer a budget payment plan for utility bills?

Yes, the budget payment plan is available to those residents who have retained a utility account with the Town of Front Royal for at least 11 months and no more than 4 late payments in the previous 12 months. The budget payment plan allows utility account holders to pay the same amount for 11 months of the year with the 12th month covering the difference in the budgeted amount versus the actual amount. Registration for the program is in May of each year. Please contact the Department of Finance at (540) 635-7799 for further details.

6. Why are there multiple meters on my utility bill?

Most residential customers have an electric meter and a water meter.

Commercial customers may have an electric meter, an electric demand readout, and possibly two water meters depending on the size of the water line & usage requirements.

7. Can I choose the monthly due date for my utility bill?

The due date will remain pretty consistent each month, although will change a few days from month to month due to holidays & weekends. The due date is based upon when the meters are read. The Town is broken up into various sections for billing purposes and each section is required to be read at a certain time each month. Therefore, the due date is not able to be changed.

8. I'm having trouble registering to pay my utility bill online, what can I do?

Please first verify that you are entering the information exactly as seen on your utility bill. Name will need to be entered exactly as shown; last name comma space first name. The address will need to be entered exactly as well, please be sure to abbreviate as seen on the bill.

If you continue to encounter errors please feel free to contact the Department of Finance for further assistance.

9. How do I make a suggestion or express a concern?

The Finance Department welcomes the opportunity to improve the Town's services and relations with our citizens. The Finance Department is open to the public or can be contacted at 540-635-7799.

10. If I live within Town Municipal Limits do I pay both Town of Front Royal & Warren County Taxes?

Yes, properties located within Town of Front Royal municipal limits are required to pay personal property & real estate taxes to both the Town of Front Royal Department of Finance and the Warren County Treasurer's Office. Separate tax bills will be sent from each office.

11. Do I need a Town of Front Royal decal for my vehicle?

Every owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall pay an annual license fee for the privilege of keeping and operating such vehicle in the Town except as provided under Town of Front Royal Municipal Code 160-2.

Please bring your vehicle registration showing your Town of Front Royal address to the Department of Finance to obtain a decal. There will be a fee up to $25.00 for obtaining the decal and all delinquent taxes must be paid before the decal can be issued.

Vehicle decals may be transferred for $1.00 if the old decal is brought in, even if the decal is partially mutilated during removal. All delinquent taxes will need to be paid before a decal can be transferred.

12. Who do I notify if I sell/trade a vehicle?

The Warren County Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments for Warren County & the Town of Front Royal. Please contact the Warren County Commissioner of the Revenue's Office at (540) 635-2651 for assistance.

13. I'm interested in how my tax dollars are spent. How do I find out?

The Town produces both an Annual Budget document and its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Both documents have qualified for national recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association and are available for review at the Town Finance Department or at Budgets