Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes an increase in Stormwater charges effective January 1, 2014 and to amend Chapter 1144 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959. The stormwater charges per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) will increase from $4.48 to $4.52 per month for a typical Inside City residential customer.
The requested adjustment in rates results in a stormwater rate increase of 1%. When a water increase of 0% and a sanitary sewer increase of 2.0% are considered the overall impact on a typical residential customer in the City of Columbus is 1.11% and for a typical residential customer outside the city 1.01%. Stormwater fees are only charged to City of Columbus customers, outside city customers do not pay stormwater charges.
The stormwater rates were decreased by 2% in 2012 and there was not an increase in these rates in 2013.
The stormwater ERU charge is assessed based on each property's measured impervious surface area. Each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is based on 2000 sq ft of impervious surface area. Residents are charged at one (1) ERU per residence. All other customers are charged based on measured impervious area divided by 2000 sq ft to determine an ERU equivalent.
The Sewer and Water Advisory Board met on September 25, 2013 and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities projected expenditures for 2014, recommends to City Council an increase of 1% in stormwater rates.
FISCAL IMPACT: These rate increases will generate approximately $307 thousand in additional revenue in 2014.
Title
To amend Section 1144.08 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, effective January 1, 2014, to increase Stormwater fees; and to repeal the existing Section being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, the Sewer and Water Advisory Board met on September 25, 2013 and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities projected expenditures for 2014, recommends to City Council an increase of 1% in stormwater rates, and
WHEREAS, stormwater fees are not charged to those customers outside of the City of Columbus, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to increase the monthly Stormwater charges from $4.48 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) to $4.52 per ERU to accurately match needed revenue to estimated program expenses; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That effective January 1, 2014, Section 1149.08(b) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be and is hereby amended to read as follows:
1149.08 Rate Structure
(b)The charge as prescribed in the rate schedule is as follows:
$0.1472 0.1485 per day per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
SECTION 2: That stormwater rates herein established shall be applicable for all stormwater charges on or after January 1, 2014.
SECTION 3: That effective January 1, 2014, existing Section 1149.08 (b) of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be and are hereby repealed
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.