Chapter 13.11
GENERAL SERVICE FEE

Sections:

13.11.010    Definitions.

13.11.020    General service fee imposed.

13.11.030    Rate.

13.11.040    Uses of revenue.

13.11.010 Definitions.

(1) “General service fee” or “fee” means a charge placed on all residential housing units and commercial, industrial and institutional dwelling unit equivalents.

(2) “Dwelling unit (DU)” means a separate residential unit with kitchen, bed and bathroom facilities including those in multiple dwellings, apartments, motels, hotels, mobile homes or trailers. Where allowed by zoning regulations, a dwelling unit shall also include an ancillary dwelling unit located on the same lot, when such ancillary dwelling unit does not exceed 1,000 square feet in gross floor area.

(3) “Dwelling unit equivalent; equivalent dwelling unit (DUE or EDU)” means a nonresidential unit which is deemed equivalent to a dwelling unit as provided herein.

(4) “Equivalent service unit (ESU)” means a measurement unit based on the impervious surface area of an average improved single dwelling lot or parcel, determined by a statistically significant sampling of such parcel. One equivalent service unit shall be deemed to be 2,640 square feet of impervious surface. (Ord. 328-2012 § 1 (Exh. A))

13.11.020 General service fee imposed.

(1) There is imposed on all users of city utilities a charge known as the general service fee. The general service fee is imposed by the city monthly on all utility accounts connected to city utilities. The general service fee is at a uniform rate and based on each residential housing unit or dwelling unit equivalent for that account.

(2) The person responsible for paying city utility charges is responsible for payment of the general service fee unless another person has otherwise assumed that obligation in writing.

(3) The fee will be included with the utility bill as a separate and distinct charge and listed on the bill as the general service fee. It is due and payable the same time as the utility bill as stated under HMC 13.09.070. (Ord. 328-2012 § 1 (Exh. A))

13.11.030 Rate.

(1) The rate for the general service fee is $10.00 per residential “dwelling unit” and $10.00 per “dwelling unit equivalent” for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings or land uses.

(2) The city council may revise the amount of the fee imposed by the terms of this chapter by resolution at any time the council deems appropriate. The city council shall review the amount of the fee annually prior to the adoption of the annual budget. (Ord. 328-2012 § 1 (Exh. A))

13.11.040 Uses of revenue.

All revenues generated by the fee will be used for city general public services including public safety and administration. (Ord. 328-2012 § 1 (Exh. A))