Chapter 13.12
CHARGES, RATES AND FEES FOR WATER SYSTEM
Sections:
13.12.020 Costs of installation.
13.12.040 Water service connection fees.
13.12.050 Standby fire protection service capital facilities charges.
13.12.060 Service call charges.
13.12.070 Cost for testing meters.
13.12.080 Rate of use of fire protection facilities for other purposes.
13.12.090 Charge for fire protection.
13.12.110 Water rates inside of the city limits.
13.12.120 Water rates outside of the city limits.
13.12.130 Rates for low-income senior citizen customers and low-income totally disabled customers.
13.12.150 Water surcharge fees (latecomer fees).
13.12.160 Temporary water connection fee.
13.12.010 Definitions.
The following words or phrases shall have the meanings set forth for the purposes of this chapter:
“Connection” means any physical connection to the city water system by any water service or any private water system, or any pipeline extension.
“Cost” means the cost of labor, material, transportation, supervision, engineering, and all other necessary overhead expenses.
“Customer” means any person, firm, or corporation obtaining or using water service from the water system of the city.
“Equivalent residential unit (ERU)” means or refers to a unit of water capacity determined by the city to be equivalent to the capacity (or average capacity) typically used by, or allocated to, a single-family residential dwelling unit. For the purposes of this chapter an ERU of water capacity shall be equal to 300 gallons per day of water use as determined through the standard water billing process.
“Income” means gross income as defined in Section 61(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as now in effect or hereafter amended, plus any and all Social Security retirement and/or disability payments, Veterans Administration retirement and/or disability payments, Railroad Retirement Board pension and/or disability payments, and payment received from any other public or private pension, retirement, profit sharing and disability plans, unemployment compensation, and income from any other source.
“Low-income senior citizen customer” means a person who is 62 years of age or older and whose total income, including that of his or her spouse or co-tenant, does not exceed the sum of the existing State of Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development low household income figure for community development block grant (CDBG) projects.
“Totally disabled customer” means any person who has been classified as totally disabled by the Social Security Administration and whose total income does not exceed the amount provided for low-income senior citizen customers. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.020 Costs of installation.
A. The costs of installation to the city water system shall be as follows:
|
Service Size |
Meter Size |
Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
3/4" |
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 700.00 |
|
1" |
1" |
1,000.00 |
|
1-1/2" |
1-1/2" |
1,500.00 |
|
2" |
2" |
2,000.00 |
B. These costs shall include meters where open cutting or conventional boring methods and direct burial of the service lines are not permitted. Where special conditions exist or special approvals and permit fees are required, all costs and fees associated with such restrictions, and any special conditions, shall be added to the above installation costs.
C. Where it is necessary to open cut paved roadway or to cross under a sidewalk and/or improved area between the curb and the property line to install the service, the customer shall also be charged the costs necessary to restore the disturbed roadway, sidewalk, or improved area to its original condition or better condition. Such costs for restoration shall include time and materials plus overhead charges.
D. For water service larger than two inches, the costs of the installation will be based on the actual cost for materials, labor, and equipment, plus overhead charges. The customer requesting a service larger than two inches shall pay a deposit in an amount of the public works director’s estimate of the cost for construction work and the work shall thereafter be billed on the basis of actual cost difference from the estimated cost, including overhead. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.030 Customer deposit.
A. A deposit in the sum of $200.00 shall be paid by each residential water customer for accounts to serve premises that are occupied or used by the property owner and billed to the property owner. A deposit of $200.00 shall be paid by each commercial water customer and each residential water customer for accounts to serve premises that are to be occupied by residential customers other than the owner of said premises at the time of application for a service connection or a service account. The deposit shall be retained by the finance director in a separate account designated “customer deposit account.” The deposit paid by each customer shall be refunded to the person paying the deposit at the time their account is closed out, provided there shall be deducted from the deposit any amount due the city for water, sewer or storm drain service rates and charges, including delinquency charges.
B. Any deposit not refunded to the customer or applied on the water, sewer or storm drain account of such customer when the account is closed out shall be held by the finance director for a period of one year after the account is closed out. If demand is not made upon the finance manager for refund of the deposit by the customer paying the same within the period of one year after the account is closed out, the amount of the deposit remaining shall be deemed to be unclaimed property and shall pass to the State of Washington Department of Revenue, in accordance with the mandates of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 1983, as it now exists or is hereafter amended. [Ord. 1007B, 2020; Ord. 831B, 2007.]
13.12.040 Water service connection fees.
A. A water connection fee shall be imposed for connections to the water system of the city, which water connection fee shall be paid for each ERU at the current rate of $2,071 per ERU. Rates are subject to change upon approval of city council.
B. The number of ERUs used to determine the charges for water connection fees shall be based on actual water usage, if such usage history is available. If no water usage history or information is available, the number of ERUs used to determine the charges for water connection fees shall be based on the estimated usage, as determined by the public works director.
C. In the cases where estimates of water usage are used to determine the number of ERUs and charges for water connection fees, water usage may be reviewed after the connection is in use for the period of one year. If, after an evaluation has been made, the actual determined number of ERUs is greater than the estimated number of ERUs, an additional charge for water connection shall be required and levied against the owner or person responsible for the connection. If any such additional charges are not paid, the water service shall be subject to disconnection. If, after an evaluation has been made, the actual determined number of ERUs is less than the estimated number of ERUs, a reimbursement equal to the difference in charges for the estimated number of ERUs and charges for the actual number of ERUs shall be made to the owner or person responsible for the connection. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.050 Standby fire protection service capital facilities charges.
Capital facilities charges for connections to the city water system for the purpose of providing standby fire protection service shall be as follows:
|
Service Size |
Connection Fee |
|---|---|
|
2" |
$ 1,610 |
|
3" |
3,210 |
|
4" |
5,020 |
|
6" |
10,040 |
|
8" |
16,060 |
|
10" |
23,090 |
|
12" |
45,170 |
[Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.060 Service call charges.
A. Service calls, as defined by city ordinance, involving extraordinary and unusual time demands shall be charged to the customer requesting the service call at the cost of labor of each employee involved, including travel time, for service calls made during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The minimum charge for such service call shall be $25.00.
B. Service calls made on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or during the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, shall be charged to the customer requesting the service call at the cost of labor of each employee involved, including travel time. The minimum charge for such service call shall be $75.00. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.070 Cost for testing meters.
A. Any person requesting a test of any water meter as provided by city ordinance shall, at the time of request, deposit with the public works director the amount to be charged for such test as follows:
|
Meter Size |
Deposit |
|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 40.00 |
|
1" |
50.00 |
|
1 – 1-1/2" |
80.00 |
|
2" |
100.00 |
|
3" |
150.00 |
|
4" |
200.00 |
|
6" |
300.00 |
|
8" |
400.00 |
B. Meters two inches and smaller in size shall be tested at the public works department. Meters larger than two inches shall be tested in the field. After the deposit has been made and the test has been scheduled, the customer shall be notified of the date and time that the meter test is scheduled to take place. The customer shall have the option of being present when such test is made. In the event the test discloses an error of more than three percent of water consumed in favor of the city, the deposit and any service charges shall be refunded to the customer, the meter shall be corrected or an accurate meter shall be installed, and the customer’s account shall be credited with the amount charged for the excess consumption on the three previous readings. When the test discloses an error of three percent or less, the amount deposited shall be retained by the city to cover the costs of such test. [Ord. 1007B, 2020; Ord. 831B, 2007.]
13.12.080 Rate of use of fire protection facilities for other purposes.
A. Whenever water is used from fire protection facilities or equipment for other purposes or fire protection water is misused, such usage shall be charged to the user at the rate of $2.50 per 100 cubic feet.
B. Prior approval must be obtained before any person shall use water from fire protection facilities for other than their intended purpose. Any such person not obtaining prior approval shall be fined a penalty of $100.00, in addition to the usage charge listed above. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.090 Charge for fire protection.
The monthly charge for fire protection service shall be as follows:
|
Water Meter Service Size |
Inside City Limits |
Outside City Limits |
|---|---|---|
|
2" |
$ 6.58 |
$ 7.23 |
|
3" |
12.72 |
14.00 |
|
4" |
35.29 |
38.83 |
|
6" |
105.03 |
115.54 |
|
8" |
207.59 |
228.36 |
|
10" |
330.67 |
363.74 |
|
12" |
474.26 |
521.69 |
[Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.100 Delinquency charge.
A delinquency charge equal to 10 percent of the total water service charge shall be added to each unpaid bill. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.110 Water rates inside of the city limits.
The water rates to be charged for water usage for customers inside the city limits shall be as follows:
A. Residential Fixed Rate.
|
Size of Water Meter Service |
Rate |
|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 17.92 |
|
1" |
25.71 |
|
1-1/2" and 2" |
54.19 |
B. Commercial Fixed Rate.
|
Size of Water Meter Service |
Rate |
|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 20.08 |
|
1" |
28.76 |
|
1-1/2" and 2" |
60.58 |
|
3" and 4" |
158.93 |
|
6" |
303.55 |
|
8" |
477.09 |
C. Consumption.
|
Amount Per Unit of 100 Cubic Feet |
|
|---|---|
|
$2.66 |
[Ord. 1007B, 2020; Ord. 826B §§ 2, 3, 2007.]
13.12.120 Water rates outside of the city limits.
The water rates to be charged for water usage for customers outside the city limits shall be as follows:
A. Residential Fixed Rate.
|
Size of Water Meter Service |
Rate |
|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 19.71 |
|
1" |
28.28 |
|
1-1/2" and 2" |
59.67 |
B. Commercial Fixed Rate.
|
Size of Water Meter Service |
Rate |
|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
$ 22.09 |
|
1" |
31.64 |
|
1-1/2" and 2" |
66.63 |
|
3" and 4" |
174.81 |
|
6" |
333.90 |
|
8" |
524.80 |
C. Consumption.
|
Amount Per Unit of 100 Cubic Feet |
|
|---|---|
|
$2.92 |
[Ord. 1007B, 2020; Ord. 826B §§ 2, 3, 2007.]
13.12.130 Rates for low-income senior citizen customers and low-income totally disabled customers.
A. The fixed rates for low-income senior citizen residential customers and low-income totally disabled customers shall be one-half (50 percent) of the residential fixed rates that would otherwise apply. All consumption shall be charged as provided in the rate schedule for residential customers inside and outside the city limits, whichever is applicable, as set forth in this chapter.
B. All low-income senior citizen residential customers and low-income totally disabled residential customers applying for low-income senior citizen customer or totally disabled residential customer rates herein provided shall furnish a claim for exemption in such affidavit form as shall be prescribed by the city manager. Such form shall be furnished on or before the thirtieth day of June of each year or within 30 days from the date of account opening or unexpected sudden change of income status. The city will consider applications furnished outside of this period.
C. Those customers applying for the totally disabled customer rate must furnish proof of such disability from the Social Security Administration. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.140 Overhead charge.
An overhead charge of 25 percent of the total costs for labor, materials, and equipment for work and services performed or installation of service water lines or other facilities by the city shall be added to the costs charged to the customer. Such overhead charge shall be to accommodate administration, supervision, and accounting costs. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.150 Water surcharge fees (latecomer fees).
A. The public works director may, at his discretion, establish and adopt water surcharge fees that, after their establishment, shall be imposed upon water customers connecting to specifically designated water utility extension(s) and/or water system improvements in defined areas.
B. Such surcharge fees shall be based on criteria established within the standard latecomer agreement form created by the development review committee.
C. In order for a water surcharge fee to be established, in addition to or separately from a request to the city council approving and authorizing the installation and/or construction of a water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, the developer, property owner, or other entity that installed and/or constructed such water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, or proposes to install and/or construct water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, shall submit to the public works director a specific request (a latecomer agreement form created by the development review committee) to establish a water surcharge fee.
D. The public works director may require additional information from the developer, property owner, or other entity requesting the establishment of such water surcharge fee. The director may also deny the request to establish the water surcharge fee, or establish a different amount of water surcharge fee, other than the fee calculated in the standard latecomer agreement form. If a water surcharge fee is approved, the director may impose other conditions, limitations, and/or duration for said water surcharge fee.
E. The purpose of establishing such water surcharge fees is to reimburse developers, property owners, or other entities, that installed and/or constructed water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, for a portion of their costs for the installation and/or construction of water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, for which subsequent, nonparticipating future customers benefit. The city shall collect established surcharges, from such nonparticipating future customers, at the time water capacity charges are paid, and then reimburse the surcharge(s) to the developer, property owner or other entity that installed and/or constructed such water utility extension(s) or water system improvements, for which such surcharge(s) was established.
F. Such water surcharge fees shall be in addition to any other charges that may be applicable. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.160 Temporary water connection fee.
Temporary connections to the city’s water system may be allowed under certain circumstances (such as ground water remediation sites) and must be approved by the public works director. They may be permitted for a period of up to five years. Water service capacity fees will be charged at the rate of 0.025 of the standard ERU connection fee in place at the time of payment, per year of water usage, payable prior to each year of use. This fee will not be prorated in increments of less than one year and is nonrefundable. Monthly water charges will be assessed as already established. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.170 Annual review.
The revenue generated as a result of this chapter shall be reviewed annually and compared to expectations and sufficiency, with a report to the city council. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.180 Repeal.
Ordinance No. 865-B, passed on the fourteenth day of February 2011, and Ordinance No. 900-B, passed on the twenty-second day of October 2012, codified as this chapter, shall be, and the same hereby are, repealed. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]
13.12.190 Effective date.
The effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be the seventeenth day of June, 2020. [Ord. 1007B, 2020.]