Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2021 for the Division of Water and to amend Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959.
The proposed rate configuration for 2021 recognizes that water and sewer charges disproportionately affect lower income groups. The Department of Public Utilities will continue 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 2%. When a sewer increase of 3% and a 1% increase in stormwater rates are considered, the overall impact on a typical residential customer's bill in the City of Columbus is 2.49%, and for a typical outside city residential customer, the overall bill impact is 2.51%. Low Income Discount participant's overall bill impact is 2.47%. Outside city customers are not charged stormwater fees. Considering the 2021 rates increases for water, sewer, and storm combined -- based on average household water use of 30 ccf's per quarter, City of Columbus residents are estimated to see their total bill increase $7.35 per quarter, or $29.40 per year.
The Sewer and Water Advisory Board (SWAB) met on October 7, 2020, and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities' projected expenditures for Fiscal Year 2021, recommends to City Council a 2% increase in water rates and no increase to the water capacity charges.
FISCAL IMPACT: These rate increases will generate approximately $3.2 million in additional revenue in Fiscal Year 2021. Combined with rate increases for Sewer and Stormwater, the overall impact to a City of Columbus' residents bill will be 2.49%.
Title
To amend various sections of Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, and to enact new water rates for the year beginning January 1, 2021, and to repeal the existing sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish new water services...
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