Explanation
Background:
The Department of Public Utilities proposed and Columbus City Council approved a water and sewer commodity rate reduction of fifteen percent for direct customers defined as low income residential customers. Members of City Council directed the department to convene a taskforce to find a way to extend the discount to indirect low income customers served by master metered accounts. A report was presented to City Council on March 13, 2006 that in part contained a recommendation to allow the discount for a master metered account where the owner of the property has certified to the Director of Public Utilities satisfaction that eighty (80) percent or more of the tenants of the building or complex meet the definition of low income residential customer as defined in Section 1105.21 and 1147.19 of Columbus City Code and to allow the discount if the City of Columbus Low Income Discount Program is adopted by a Master Meter Suburban Community. The City of Columbus will extend the same opportunity for discounts and financial relief as available for low income residents who are direct users.
This ordinance requests amendment of Section 1105.21, (D) and 1147.19, (D) of Columbus City Code to allow for the fifteen (15) percent discount to qualifying master meter accounts and adds Sections 1105.21, (E) and 1147.19, (E) to allow participation by Master Meter Suburban Communities.
The ordinance also deletes current language in 1105.21, (D) and 1147.19, (D) directing the department to convene a taskforce and report to City Council within sixty days. This requirement has been fulfilled and the current language is no longer needed.
Fiscal Impact:
No significant fiscal impact is expected in revenues of the water or sanitary sewer enterprise funds in 2006. Any future impacts will be estimated and addressed during rate setting for 2007.
Title
To amend Chapters 1105 and 1147 of Columbus City Codes 1959, to allow a fifteen (15) percent commodity...
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