25.050 Sewer Service Charge.

(1) General.

(a) Sewer Service Charge Recipient. The sewer service charges provided for in this section are hereby levied and assessed upon each lodge, dwelling unit, parcel of land, building or premises having any connection with, or discharging either directly or indirectly into, the sewer system.

(b) Annually Determined Charges. The City shall annually audit the system to determine and fix the unit costs for use of the wastewater facilities on the basis of a flat rate and flow charge and determine surcharge unit costs for BOD, SS, and P and any other pollutant, taking into consideration the cost of treatment, and may increase or decrease such unit cost as often and in such amounts as may reasonably be required to accomplish the purpose of this section.

(c) Billing. The City shall compute the amount due the City and issue a statement for sewer service charges at periodic intervals to the users of the wastewater facilities. All amounts due hereunder shall be payable at the office of the City Treasurer or an approved collection station.

(2) Delinquency.

(a) Additional Charges. If sewer service charges are not paid in full within 20 calendar days after each billing date, an additional sum of one percent on the unpaid balance shall be added to the bill, and the total shall be the amount of the delinquent account.

(b) Payment Period. Payment made or mailed and postmarked on or before the last day of such 20-calendar-day period shall constitute payment within such period. If the end of such 20-calendar-day period shall fall on a legal holiday or a Sunday, payment made on or mailed and postmarked on the next succeeding weekday which is not a legal holiday shall constitute payment within such period.

(c) Failure to Receive Bills. A nonresident owner of each lot or parcel of real estate with a building located thereon, in the City of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and which is subject to a sewer service charge, shall notify the Manitowoc Public Utilities of the City of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, of his present address. Failure of any person to receive bills for sewer service charges shall not be considered an excuse for nonpayment nor shall such failure result in an extension of the period of time during which the net bill should have been paid.

(3) Funds from Sewer Service Charges. The funds received from the collection of the charges authorized by this chapter shall be deposited as collected. The user charge portion shall be used for operation, maintenance and replacement costs and the debt service portion shall be used for debt service including all reserves and other funds required to be established and maintained under authorized bonds and improvements of the Wastewater Facilities, except that the portion of any such funds which is limited to a particular use by applicable State or Federal rules or regulations shall be used in compliance with such restrictions.

(4) Unit Cost Categories. The cost to be recovered pursuant to this chapter and the cost to be fixed by the City in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be determined and allocated in the following category:

Category “A” (User Charge System).

Operation, maintenance and replacement of existing and proposed wastewater facilities.

(5) Determination of Flat Rate Charge. A flat rate charge will be assessed to each user for each connection to a private interceptor main sewer or wastewater facilities.

The flat rate charge for users of the wastewater facilities shall be determined by dividing the Category “A” costs by the total number of connections to the system. The formula for this charge calculation is as follows:

Estimated Total Fixed Costs

=

Flat Rate Charge per Connection

Total Number of Connections

The portion allocated to the fixed cost category for Category “A” shall include, but not be limited to, the following components:

(a) That portion of salaries and fringe benefits which is administrative costs.

(b) Twenty percent of electrical costs.

(c) Twenty-five percent of capital outlay and capital improvements.

(d) One hundred percent of laboratory, insurance, contract services, and administrative expenses.

(e) Twenty-five percent of supplies.

(f) Thirty-five percent of natural gas.

(6) Determination of Surcharges. A surcharge will be assessed to any user discharging BOD, SS and phosphorus (P) loadings to the wastewater facilities in excess of those concentrations defined in MMC 25.030 under “general municipal flow,” and shall be determined as follows:

(a) For Category “A.” Unit costs for BOD, SS and P shall be calculated by apportioning the Category “A” costs associated with the treatment of BOD, SS and P that year and then dividing each apportioned cost by the total estimated BOD, SS and P to be received at the wastewater treatment plant in that year.

The formula for this unit cost calculation is:

BOD:

Annual Category “A” Costs Associated w/BOD Removal

=

$6.34/100 lb. BOD

 

Estimated Annual BOD in 100 lbs.

SS:

Annual Category “A” Costs Associated w/SS Removal

=

$7.47/100 lb. SS

 

Estimated Annual SS in 100 lbs.

P:

Annual Category “A” Costs Associated w/P Removal

=

$181.00/100 lb. P

 

Estimated Annual P in 100 lbs.

(7) Determination of Flow Charges.

(a) Determination of Billable Flow and Unit Flow Charges. The unit flow cost for each category, for users of the wastewater facilities, shall be determined by subtracting from the total annual category costs the estimated revenue from the flat rate charge and the surcharges for that year for each respective category, and then dividing the remainder of the costs to be recovered by the “billable flow.”

Billable flow will be determined annually by the sum of the following:

1. Measured industrial flow discharged to the sewer system;

2. Residential flow discharged to the sewer system as determined by the monthly average metered water for the months of January, February, March, November and December multiplied by 12;

3. Flow discharged to the sewer system as determined by metered water, minus metered water to measured industries and residential users; and

4. Flow discharged to the sewer system as determined by meters or estimated well water supplies minus well water from measured industries.

The formula for the unit cost calculation for each category is as follows:

(Total Annual Category Costs) minus (Estimated Annual Revenue from Flat Rate Charge) minus (Estimated Annual Revenue from Surcharges) divided by (Estimated Billable Flow, as defined above, in 1,000 gallons) equals the cost per 1,000 gallons.

(Category Costs) - (Flat Rate Charges) - (Surcharge Revenue)

(Billable Flow, in 1,000 gal.)

Estimated Billable Flow (as defined above) in 1,000 gal.

(b) Determination of Flow Charge. The flow charges to users of the wastewater facilities shall be the product of the unit cost determined in accordance with subsection (7)(a) of this section and that portion of the billable flow attributed to each domestic, commercial, institutional, governmental and industrial user. The formula for this calculation is as follows:

(Unit Flow Cost per 1,000 gallons) x (User’s Billable Flow in 1,000 gallons) = User Flow Charge

(c) Sprinkling Forgiveness. In order that domestic and residential users of the wastewater facilities shall not be penalized for the sprinkling of lawns, the billing for the use of the wastewater facilities for residential and/or domestic users for the months of April through October, inclusive, shall be based on the average water usage for the previous winter months of November, December, January, February and March. In the event the water usage for said months is less than this winter average, then the billing for the use of the wastewater facilities shall be computed on the actual water used in the month for which the wastewater facility service bill is being rendered. Domestic and/or residential wastewater facility service, as applicable to the sprinkling rate, shall apply to each lot, parcel of real estate or building which is occupied and used as a residence. The sprinkling forgiveness is only available where water meter readings are always obtainable. Obtainable is considered to be having an outside water register or an inside meter always accessible during normal reading times.

Where there is no previous history or an incomplete history of water consumption, the Wastewater Treatment Facility Board may establish an individual’s flow for sprinkling forgiveness billing purposes based upon residential average consumption or another approved method.

Said sprinkling rate shall not apply to any premises which are partially or wholly used for industrial or commercial purposes. In the event a portion of such premises shall be used for commercial or industrial purposes, the owner shall have the privilege of separating the water service so that the residential portion of the premises is served through a Manitowoc Public Utilities approved separate meter, and in such case, the water usage as registered by the water serving such portion of the premises used for residential purposes would qualify under the sprinkling rate.

(8) Establishment of Sewer Service Charges.

(a) City Sewer Service Charge. The sewer service charge for City sanitary sewer users shall be as follows:

1. Flat Rate Charge. There shall be a flat rate charge for each connection to the wastewater treatment facilities. This charge shall consist of the following:

 

RATE

Category “A” (User Charge Portion):

Effective March 1, 2023: $11.28 – (Treatment: $8.21; Collection: $3.07)

Effective January 1, 2024: $11.90 – (Treatment: $8.21; Collection: $3.69)

2. Surcharges. A surcharge shall be assessed to any user discharging BOD, SS and P loadings to the wastewater treatment facilities in excess of those concentrations defined in MMC 25.030 under “general municipal flow.” The surcharge shall consist of the following:

A. BOD.

Category “A” (User Charge Portion):

$11.26 per 100 pounds of 5-day BOD in excess of the BOD load that would result from a concentration of 260 mg/l in the user’s wastewater.

B. Suspended Solids.

Category “A” (User Charge Portion):

$20.74 per 100 pounds of suspended solids in excess of the suspended solids load that would result from a concentration of 240 mg/l in the user’s wastewater.

C. Phosphorus.

Category “A” (User Charge Portion):

$575.06 per 100 pounds of phosphorus in excess of the phosphorus load that would result from a concentration of 12 mg/l in the user’s wastewater.

3. Flow Rate Charge. A flow charge shall be assessed to any user discharging flow to the wastewater treatment facilities. This charge shall consist of the following:

 

 

RATE

Category “A” (User Charge Portion):

per 100 cubic feet

Effective March 1, 2023: $2.81 – (Treatment: $2.04; Collection: $0.77)

Effective January 1, 2024: $2.96 – (Treatment: $2.04; Collection: $0.92)

per 1,000 gallons

Effective March 1, 2023: $3.75 – (Treatment: $2.73; Collection: $1.02)

Effective January 1, 2024: $3.95 – (Treatment: $2.04; Collection: $1.22)

(b) Hook Up Charge. In addition to any other sewer charges hereunder, a hook up charge in the amount of $24.00 per front foot shall be charged against the owner of any parcel of property upon connecting to a sanitary sewer where the property owner or his predecessor in title made no direct contribution to the cost of the installation of the sanitary sewer at the time it was installed.

(c) Septic and Holding Tank Waste. In the event the Wastewater Treatment Facility Board approves the acceptance of septic or holding tank wastes for treatment at the wastewater treatment facility, and the wastes do not exceed any of the levels for BOD, SS or P set forth in subsection (8)(d) of this section, the charges for such disposal shall be as follows:

Item

Rate for Septic Tank/Port-a-Potty Wastes

Rate for Holding Tank Waste

Rate for Leachate Waste

1.

Annual Hauler Permit Fee

$25.00

$25.00

$25.00

2.

Flow Rate (per 1,000 Gallons)

$31.58

$14.80

$9.42

3.

Handling Charge per Discharge

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

The Wastewater Treatment Facility Board is authorized to adopt rules governing the acceptance of these wastes and may enter into written agreements for acceptance of these wastes.

(d) High Strength Septic and Holding Tank Waste. In the event the Common Council approves a request to accept holding tank wastes with concentrations of BOD greater than 600 mg/l or SS greater than 1,000 mg/l or P greater than 20 mg/l, or a request to accept septic tank wastes with concentrations of BOD greater than 5,000 mg/l, SS greater than 15,000 mg/l or P greater than 250 mg/l, the conditions for such acceptance shall be established by written agreement between the Common Council and the user disposing of such waste.

The disposal charge for such wastes shall be as follows:

1.

Handling Charge

=

$0.00/discharge

2.

Hauler Permit Fee

=

$25.00/year

3.

BOD Surcharge

=

$11.26/100 lbs. of 5-day BOD load that would result from a concentration of 260 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

4.

Suspended Solids Surcharge

=

$20.74/100 lbs. of suspended solids in excess of the suspended solids that would result from a concentration of 240 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

5.

Phosphorus Surcharge

=

$575.06/100 lbs. of phosphorus in excess of the phosphorus load that would result from a concentration of 12 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

6.

Flow Rate Charge

=

$7.58/1,000 gallons ($5.67/100 cubic feet)

(e) Outside Sewer Service Charge. In the event the Common Council approves a request to provide sanitary sewer service to areas outside of the City limits, the conditions for such acceptance shall be established by written agreement between the Common Council and the user discharging into the sanitary sewer.

The sewer service charge for such sanitary sewer service shall be as follows:

1.

Flat Rate Charge per Connection

=

Effective March 1, 2023: $11.28 – (Treatment: $8.21; Collection: $3.07)

Effective January 1, 2024: $11.90 – (Treatment: $8.21; Collection: $3.69)

2.

Flat Rate Surcharge of 20% per Connection

=

Effective March 1, 2023: $2.26 – (Treatment: $1.64; Collection: $0.62)

Effective January 1, 2024: $2.38 – (Treatment: $1.64: Collection: $0.74)

3.

BOD Surcharge

=

$11.26/100 lbs. of 5-day BOD in excess of the BOD load that would result from a concentration of 260 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

4.

Suspended Solids Surcharge

=

$20.74/100 lbs. of suspended solids in excess of the suspended solids load that would result from a concentration of 240 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

5.

Phosphorus Surcharge

=

$575.06/100 lbs. of phosphorus in excess of the phosphorus load that would result from a concentration of 12 mg/l in the user’s wastewater

6.

Flow Rate Charge

=

Effective March 1, 2023: $8.86/1,000 gallons – (Treatment: $6.45; Collection: $2.41)

Effective January 1, 2024: $9.35/1,000 gallons – (Treatment: $6.45; Collection: $2.90)

(Effective March 1, 2023: $6.63/100 cubic ft – (Treatment: $4.83; Collection: $1.80)

Effective January 1, 2024: $6.99/100 cubic ft – (Treatment: $4.83; Collection: $2.17)

(9) Measurements of Strength and Volume.

(a) Volume. Flow for billing purposes for each user will be determined as follows:

1. By means of a special wastewater measuring device installed in a sewer or other conduit carrying the wastewater flow; or

2. On the basis of the amount of water used, determined as described heretofore in subsection (9)(a)(1) of this section but adjusted for product losses or adjusted for waters which are legitimately discharged to storm sewers. Such adjustments will be made only upon application by the user, and only when the application is properly supported by documentation which will positively establish the amount of such product use or discharges to storm sewers. Application for such adjustments shall be made to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Board of the City of Manitowoc; or

3. On the basis of the amount of water used, determined as described in subsection (9)(a)(1) of this section, but, in the case of residential users only, adjusted to reflect winter water consumption only.

All private water supplies contributing to discharge to the sanitary sewer system shall be equipped with a meter approved by the Wastewater Treatment Facility Board, by and at the expense of the user. The total amount of water used from such private supplies shall be reported to the Wastewater Treatment Facility Board each month. The user shall provide for and permit access to such meter by a representative of the wastewater treatment facility. Such meters on private water supplies will not be required where measurement is provided for the flow discharged to the sewer system.

(b) Strength. All industrial users who discharge other than domestic wastes, or wastes from sanitary conveniences, or any other user required by the City, shall furnish the City with information monthly concerning the concentration of BOD and suspended solids discharged to the wastewater facilities. Sampling shall be carried out by accepted methods as listed in 40 CFR Part 136 to reflect the effect of constituents upon the wastewater facilities and to determine the existence of hazards to life, limb, and property.

1. Surcharge. Such information shall be used to determine monthly surcharges, if any, as required under subsection (8)(a) of this section.

2. Sampling. Such information shall be obtained from the analysis of no less than one composite sample covering the operating period of the facility. The composite sampling shall be as described in 40 CFR Part 136. If the discharge is made through more than one connection to the wastewater facilities, such sampling program shall include all discharges.

3. Monitoring Facilities. Any industry required to pay a surcharge under this section, or any other user required by the City, shall install a suitable monitoring structure, together with such necessary meters and other appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling, and measurement of the wastes to provide daily wastewater characteristics information. Such structure and equipment shall be constructed at the owner’s expense in accordance with the plans approved by the City and shall be maintained by the owner so as to be safe and accessible at all times.

4. Waiver of Monitoring Facilities. The City may waive the requirement for installation of monitoring facilities described in subsection (9)(b)(3) of this section if, upon application by the industry, it can be demonstrated that results equitable to both the City and industry can be obtained through the use of manually collected composite samples. If no special structure is required, the monitoring structure shall be considered to be the manhole required for periodic sampling in accordance with Wis. Admin. Code H 62.04(i).

5. Waiver of Daily Sampling. The City may waive the requirement for daily wastewater characteristic information for industries paying a surcharge if, upon application by the industry, it can be demonstrated that results equitable to both the City and the industry can be obtained through other than a daily sampling program.

(c) Methods and Analysis. All measurements, tests, and analyses of the characteristics of water and wastes to which reference is made in this chapter shall be determined in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136, and shall be determined at the monitoring structure provided, or upon suitable samples taken at said monitoring structure.

(d) Inspection and Discrepancies of Flow or Strength. The City shall have the right to periodically or continuously inspect the monitoring facilities, to measure, sample and analyze the user’s flow and to analyze the samples obtained by the user, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Upon the City’s request, samples will be split, with one-half of the sample being submitted to the City. In the event of any discrepancy between the flows or loads determined by the City and the user, the values determined by the City shall be used for billing and enforcement purposes.

[Ord. 23-087 § 1, 2023; Ord. 19-794 § 1, 2019; Ord. 17-1151 § 1, 2017; Ord. 17-035 § 1, 2017; Ord. 15-1309 § 1, 2015; Ord. 15-122 § 1, 2015; Ord. 14-011 § 1, 2014; Ord. 12-705 § 1, 2012; Ord. 12-017 § 1, 2012; Ord. 11-566 § 1, 2011; Ord. 11-017 § 1, 2011; Ord. 09-741 § 1, 2010; Ord. 09-010 § 1, 2009; Ord. 07-689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 06-805 § 1, 2007; Ord. 06-667 § 1, 2006; Ord. 05-779 § 1, 2005; Ord. 04-761 § 1, 2004. Prior code § 25.05]