Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this request to amend provisions of Columbus City Code Section 1105.045 (A), (D) and (E) is twofold. First, to improve the City's ability to collect unpaid overdue water charges. This amendment strengthens the authority to certify unpaid overdue invoices for services provided by the Division of Water to the auditor of the county in which the property is located. These unpaid charges will then become a lien against the property. This recommended change will allow unpaid water service charges to be certified the same as unpaid sewer service charges. In 2004 $935,400 was recovered through this certification process and deposited into the sanitary sewer enterprise fund. In the same year $667,800 was lost as uncollectible water charges. If these water charges could have been certified it is estimated that over 90% or $601,000 would have been recovered and deposited to the water enterprise fund. This lost revenue results in higher than necessary rates for all customers of the Division of Water. Second these amendments will allow tenants to open a water account more easily.
FISCAL IMPACT: It is estimated that revenue received by the water enterprise fund will be increased by at least $600,000 annually.
Title
To amend Section 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, as it relates to collection of overdue charges for provision of services to customers of the Division of Water, and as it relates to tenant accounts; and to repeal the existing section being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, It is necessary to establish within Columbus City Codes the authority to certify unpaid charges for provision of services to the customers of the Division of Water to the auditor of the county in which property is located, and
WHEREAS, Certification of unpaid charges is estimated to recover over $600,000.00 in 2006 for the Water Enterprise Fund; and
WHEREAS, the City wants to allow legitimate tenants to directly contrac...
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