Explanation
WATER SPECIAL CHARGES 2011
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes, effective January 1, 2011, amendments to Columbus City Codes, Section 1105.09 Special Charges to reflect actual cost of service cost of the listed water special charges.
Water special charges are charges for services performed by staff of the Division of Power and Water that are not included in the water rate base calculations. These charges include:
A special meter reading at request of consumer.
A service charge for trips to discontinue or attempt to discontinue service or to turn on service due to non-payment of account delinquencies.
A service charge to relocate the metering system due to obstruction of the metering system or at the request of the customer, to disconnect or remove the metering system at request of customer, or to reconnect the metering system at request of the customer.
A service charge to turn on or off service at curb box at request of customer (except for emergency repairs.).
A service charge to repair a meter damaged by customer abuse, tampering, freezing, or hot water. (Plus actual cost of repair or new metering system, if required.).
A service charge to investigate, notify or discontinue water or electricity service where fraud or illegal diversion has occurred, including unauthorized turn on or other violation of the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Utilities (plus estimated quantity of water used).
For testing of meters at the request of customers.
For returned check processing charges.
A service charge for additional trips to install metering systems.
A service charge to pump out a meter pit to obtain a meter reading.
Service charges associated with the chlorination process (full service contract areas only).
Special charges for renewed service inspections performed on overtime.
Hydrant Flow Tests
A City of Columbus Backflow Tester fee (Initial Fee).
Department staff reviewed each charge and decided on a cost of service calculation that includes the average time for each task times the average direct salary cost for performing the service, plus a vehicle charge (based on Federal Emergency Management Agency vehicle hourly rate charges schedules). Department staff will review water special charges yearly and will recommend any needed changes to the Sewer and Water Advisory Board (SWAB) for consideration. Changes agreed to by the SWAB will be presented by ordinance to City Council.
The Sewer and Water Advisory Board met on September 22, 2010 and approved the recommended changes to water special charges contained in this ordinance.
Fiscal Impact: The proposed changes to water special charges will increase 2011 water enterprise revenues by approximately $ 880,000.00.
Title
To amend Section 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, effective January 1, 2011, to increase water special charges, and to repeal the existing Section being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, Water special charges are charges for services performed by staff of the Division of Power and Water that are not included in the water rate base calculations, and
WHEREAS, Water special charges include charges for:
A special meter reading at request of consumer.
A service charge for trips to discontinue or attempt to discontinue service or to turn on service due to non-payment of account delinquencies.
A service charge to relocate the metering system due to obstruction of the metering system or at the request of the customer, to disconnect or remove the metering system at request of customer, or to reconnect the metering system at request of the customer.
A service charge to turn on or off service at curb box at request of customer (except for emergency repairs.).
A service charge to repair a meter damaged by customer abuse, tampering, freezing, or hot water. (Plus actual cost of repair or new metering system, if required.).
A service charge to investigate, notify or discontinue water or electricity service where fraud or illegal diversion has occurred, including unauthorized turn on or other violation of the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Utilities (plus estimated quantity of water used).
For testing of meters at the request of customers.
For returned check processing charges.
A service charge for additional trips to install metering systems.
A service charge to pump out a meter pit to obtain a meter reading.
Service charges associated with the chlorination process (full service contract areas only).
Special charges for renewed service inspections performed on overtime.
Hydrant Flow Tests
A City of Columbus Backflow Tester fee (Initial Fee), and
WHEREAS, Department staff reviewed each charge and decided on a cost of service calculation that includes the average time for each task times the average direct salary cost for performing the service, plus a vehicle charge (based on Federal Emergency Management Agency vehicle hourly rate charge schedules), and
WHEREAS, Department staff will review water special charges yearly and will recommend any needed changes to the Sewer and Water advisory Board (SWAB) for consideration. Changes agreed to by the SWAB will be presented by ordinance to City Council, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary amend Section 1105.09 of Columbus City Codes to reflect cost of service charges for water special charges; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That effective January 1, 2011, Section 1105.09 of Columbus City Codes, 1959, be and is hereby amended to read as follows:
1105.09 Special Charges:
The following charges shall be paid for the specified services furnished by the Division of Power and Water: SEE ATTACHED FILE
SECTION 2: That existing Section 1105.09 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3: That this Ordinance shall take effect and in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.