Explanation
WATER 2011
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2011 for the Division of Power and Water
The proposed rate configuration for 2011 recognizes that water and sewer charges disproportionately effect lower income groups and continues the Low Income Discount program that discounts participant's sewer commodity portion of their quarterly bill by 20%.
Requested adjustments in rates result in a typical inside city residential water rate increase of 7.5%. When a sewer increase of 6% and a Stormwater increase of 0% are considered the overall impact on a typical residential customer in the City of Columbus is 6.21% and for an outside city residential customer 6.71%.
The proposed rate structure is necessary to continue to address the new Ohio EPA regulations regarding water supply, water treatment capacity and drinking water quality. This includes current and future water treatment plant expansions, plant water treatment process improvements, water supply and storage improvements and continuous water system rehabilitation and repair projects.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Division of Power and Water expects an increase of $7.7 million in water sales revenue.
Title
To amend Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, to enact new water rates for the year beginning January 1, 2011, and to repeal the existing Sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish new water services rates, effective January 1, 2011, for water service provided by the City of Columbus in order to recover the cost of rendering said water services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities Division of Power and Water requests an seven and one half percent (7.5%) increase in water rates for 2011 to pay for necessary ongoing operations and needed improvements; and
WHEREAS, City Council recognizes that increased water rates disproportionately impact low in...
Click here for full text