Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Title 11 of the Water, Sewer, and Electricity Code to add definitions of rate classes, to clarify service charges during water or sewer shut offs, and insert language clarifying the replacement of water meters.
Currently a water rate class known as "Consecutive" is being charged to apartments and multi-family units however this rate class is not defined. Furthermore, a water service charge and commodity charge is being charged to customers but this charge is also not defined. These definitions will help clarify the purpose and justification of these charges.
Also, a sewer billing charge and commodity charge is being charged to customers but this charge is also not defined. The new definitions will help clarify the purpose and justification for these charges.
When a customer's water is turned off at the property due to nonpayment of charges due, water service charges and sewer billing charges, if applicable, will continue to accrue on the account and are due before water service is resumed or the customer has been put on a suitable payment plan. The City Code currently does not state that water service charges and sewer billing charges, if applicable, will continue to be charged during the period water service is terminated. This change will clarify the purpose and justification for this change.
Currently City code only states that the Director of Public Utilities is authorized to install, read and maintain metering systems to any and all properties served with water by the Division of Water. City code does not authorize replacement of metering systems. Though the Department does currently replace meters, this code change will formally codify that practice.
Title
To amend various sections of Title 11 of the Columbus City Codes to add definitions of rate classes, to clarify service charges during water shut-offs, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to replace water meters, and to e...
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