Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2010 for the Division of Power and Water
The proposed rate configuration for 2010 recognizes that water and sewer charges disproportionately effect lower income groups and continues the Low Income Discount program that reduces participant's sewer commodity portion of their quarterly bill from by 20%.
Requested adjustments in rates result in a typical inside city residential water rate increase of 8.5%. When a sewer increase of 2% and a Stormwater increase of 9% are considered the overall impact on a typical residential customer in the City of Columbus is 4.89% and for an outside city residential customer 4.97%.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Division of Power and Water expects an increase of $9,333,000 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, 2010, and to repeal the existing Sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish new water services rates, effective January 1, 2010, 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 eight and one half percent (8.5%) increase in water rates for 2010 to pay for necessary ongoing operations and needed improvements; and
WHEREAS, City Council recognizes that increased water rates disproportionately impact low income residents. Low income residents already pay a higher percentage of their household income in utility bills, and this percentage would increase with higher rates; and
WHEREAS, City Council finds that continuing a discounted rate for low income users is a recognized method for helping to alleviate the impacts of increased water rates; and
WHEREAS, the Sewer and Water Advisory Board has adopt...
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