Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/07/2006 - ITEMS RELATING TO UTILITY RATES AND CHARGES FOR 20 ITEM NUMBER: 14 A-D AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: November7, 2006 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Michael B. Smith Terri Bryant SUBJECT Items Relating to Utility Rates and Charges for 2007. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on Second Reading. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 173,2006,Amending Chapter 26,Article 1II,Division 4 of the CityCode Relating to User Rates and Charges g g s for Water. B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 174, 2006, Amending Chapter 26, Article IV, Division 4 of the City Code Relating to Wastewater Rates and Charges. C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 175, 2006, Amending Chapter 26, Article VI, Division 4 of the City Code Relating to Electric Development Fees and Charges. D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 176, 2006, Amending Chapter 26, Article I&XII of the City Code Relating to Utility Bills and Notices and Administrative Regulations for Billing and Collection. Ordinance No. 173, 2006 establishes Utilities monthly water rates for 2007. Ordinance No. 174, 2006 establishes Utilities monthly wastewater rates for 2007 and the second phase of the wastewater plant investment fees(PIFs)to be implemented January 1,2007. Ordinance No. 175,2006,updates electric development fees and charges to capture the costs associated with providing capital improvements to new development. Ordinance No. 176, 2006, modifies City Code to allow users an option of electronic delivery of utility bills and notices. These Ordinances were unanimously adopted on First Reading on October 17, 2006. Ordinance No. 176 has been modified from First Reading to eliminate changes included in error on First Reading that would have reorganized and amended existing Code provisions related to special services agreements for electric service, pending further staff review of those changes. ITEM NUMBER: 23 A-D AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: October 17, 2006 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Michael B. Smith Terri Bryant SUBJECT Items Relating to Utility Rates and Charges for 2007. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on First Reading. FINANCIAL IMPACT The Ordinances are projected to increase annual operating revenues by 5%for the Wastewater Fund and 3% for the Water Fund. N as ro y nthly electric and stormwater rates. The combined utility fe for a cal s 1 le will increase 1.4% or$1.41 from $103.54 to $104.95 per nth for erag i er wd 2.3% or$3.27 from $140.02 to $143.29 per month for avera u�rne The Wastewater Fund will increase plant investment fees to implement the second phase of the adopted three-year phase-in plan. Electric development fees are updated annually to cover the costs for commercial and residential developments. There are no recommended changes to the water and stormwater plant investment fees in 2007. The proposed fees will be effective January 1, 2007. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 173, 2006,Amending Chapter 26,Article III, Division 4 of the Code of the City ofice :NNo. lin latipto at d Charges for Water. B. First Reading of Ordin 4,20ding apter 26,Article IV,Division 4 of the Code of the City of1 R tiaste ater Rates and Charges. C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 175,2006,Amending Chapter 26,Article VI,Division 4 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins Relating to Electric Development Fees and Charges. D. First Reading of Ordinance No. 176, 2006, Amending Chapter 26, Article I & XII of the Code of the City Of Fort Collins Relating to Utility Bills and Notices and Administrative Regulations for Billing and Collection. October 17, 2006 -2- Item No. 23 A-D • Two of the Ordinances establish Utilities monthly water and wastewater rates for 2007 as follows: er LA hi, tewa r 5" The water and wastewater increases will be"across the board" and do not vary by customer class. In total,a typical residential customer's bill, charges for electric,water,wastewater and stormwater will increase$1.41 in winter when water usage is low and$3.27 in the summer when water is used for irrigation. • Two Ordinances also make changes in development fees as follows: The second phase of the wastewater plant investment fees (PIFs) will be implemented January 1, 2007 to comply with Council's direction to phase such fees in over a three year period. Electric development fees and charges are reviewed and updated annually to capture the costs associated with providing capital improvements to new development. • Other changes addresse T O in es a ow " In response to customer deman oc ven' c f online 1 payments,staff is recommending a modification to the Code to allo sers an ion lectrori elivery of utility bills and notices. The water and wastewater Ordinances each include a new section of Code to expressly authorize the Utilities General Manger to enter into agreements to provide special services beyond those required for basic service. The new Code provision requires that a written agreement establishing charges which modify those in the Code be approved by the City Council pursuant to Section 6 of Article XII of the City Charter. Other minor housekeeping changes and clarifications are also included in the ordinances. BACKGROUND WASTEWATER Monthly Rates This Ordinance increases the J..4as0trPby Ylencrease is applied "across the board" for all customers. With the proposed rate, a typical single family residential customers' monthly bill will increase from $18.76 to $19.70 or $0.94 per month. This is based on a system average of 5,200 gallons per month winter quarter water use. The wastewater rate increase is needed to generate sufficient revenue to meet the utilities obligations for operations,maintenance and debt. Wastewater revenues have consistently lagged projections due to reductions in water consumption in response to the drought. As shown in the graph below, the City's wastewater rates remain comparable to those of other local utilities. October 17, 2006 -3- Item No. 23 A-D Ft.Collins Wastewater Rate Comparisons WCIA 5,200 gallons d E $30 c1 � $22.60 m $20 $17.43 $17.67 $17.79 $18.26 $18.76 $19.70 $20.00 v 0= $10.14 $10 L M C Q 4A coo° .pi octi `a°� boa py.� .01 aao� $QN 101 Plant Investment Fees A 2005 study of the sewer plan estme ees Pmme1na 174% increase in development fees. Due to the magnitude of the proposed increases, a three-year phase-in implementation was recommended by staff and approved by Council. Ordinance No. 134,2005 was adopted and the first phase was implemented January 1,2006. In accordance with Council's direction,the City Manager recommends that the second phase of the fees be adopted to be effective January 1, 2007. The adjustment in the sewer plant investment fee will increase the cost to develop a typical single family residence from $1,626 to $2,223 or by$597. Other In addition,the wastewater rate ordinance includes a new section to the Code to expressly authorize the Utilities General Manger to enter into agreements to provide special services requested by customers that are beyond those required for basic wastewater service. The new Code provision requires that a written agreement establishing charges which modify those in the Code be approved by the City Council pursuant t(7� 11PY Charter. WATER Monthly Rates The water rate increase is needed to fund the operations and maintenance of the City's water system. Water revenues have yet to stabilize due to prior years' weather fluctuations and changing rate structures. After much discussion and Council input on single family and duplex water rates, the four-tier water rate was discontinued and a three-tier water rate was adopted in March 2006 and implemented in May 2006. At that time,the majority of Council felt strongly about retaining a$12 fixed cost charge. In light of that, the proposed increase for single family and duplex water rates will not be applied to the$12 fixed charge. Maintaining the$12 fixed charge will shift that portion October 17, 2006 -4- Item No. 23 A-D of the increase which would have been applied to the fixed charge to the volume charge for single family and duplex rates. A typical residential customer's monthly water bill will increase from $22.09 to $22.56 for 5,000 gallon usage and from $58.57 to $60.90 for 21,000 gallon usage; an increase of$0.47 and $2.33, res ly. - In addition,the water rate ordi ce inc es a ection to e Code to expressly authorize the Utilities General Manger to ente ogre t vide sp 1 services requested by customers that are beyond those required for basic water service. The new Code provision requires that a written agreement establishing charges which modify those in the Code be approved by the City Council pursuant to Section 6 of Article XII of the City Charter. A comparison of the water rate change is shown in the table and graphs below: Water Rate Comparison 2006 Rate to Proposed 2007 Rate Gallons Used Proposed % per Month 2006 Rate 2007 Rate $ Increase Increase $ 12.72 $ 12.72 $ - 0.0% 1,000 $ 14.59 $ 14.69 $ 0.10 0.7% 2,000 $ 7 $ 0.19 1.2% 3,000 18.3 )j. 0.29 1.6% 4,000 $ . 1 � .59 0.38 1.9% 5,000 $ 22.09 $ 22.56 $ 0.47 2.1% 6,000 $ 23.96 $ 24.53 $ 0.57 2.4% 7,000 $ 25.83 $ 26.50 $ 0.67 2.6% 10,000 $ 32.29 $ 33.29 $ 1.00 3.1% 13,000 $ 38.75 $ 40.08 $ 1.33 3.4% 16,000 $ 46.19 $ 47.89 $ 1.70 3.7% 20,000 $ 56.10 $ 58.30 $ 2.20 3.9% 21,000 $ 58.57 $ 60.90 $ 2.33 4.0% 25,000 $ 68.48 $ 71.32 $ 2.84 4.1% 30,000 $ 80.87 $ 84.33 $ 3.46 4.3% 35,000 $ 105.E 5 $ 4.10 4.4% 40,000 4.73 4.5% 50,000 $ 1 $ -j"40 5.99 4.6% 75,000 $ 192.34 $ 201.49 $ 9.15 4.8% 100,000 $ 254.27 $ 266.57 $ 12.30 4.8% 150,000 $ 378.13 $ 396.74 $ 18.61 4.9% 200,000 $ 501.99 $ 526.91 $ 24.92 5.0% October 17, 2006 -5- Item No. 23 A-D Residential Water Rate Comparison Scale 1 to 200,000 Gallons per Month $600 $500 $400 ✓ ' r o A $300 �A a o $200 $100 rY o 1,000 Gallons per Month — —2006 Rate 2007 Proposed Rate U () F y Residential Water Rate Comparison Scale 1 to 20,000 Gallons per Month $70 $60 t $50 c $40 $30 0 V $20 $10 $- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1,000 Gallons per Month 2006 Rate —2007 Proposed Rate October 17, 2006 -6- Item No. 23 A-D The following table summarizes the impact of the proposed rate increases on a typical single family residential customer's monthly utility bill. In total,this"typical"customer's utility bill will increase from $1.41 per month in the winter and $3.27 in the summer depending on water use. -v- Typical IRWISiden ' Cust — on i tility Bill C ent roposed $ 2 2007 Increase Increase Electric 700 kWh per month $48.43 $48.43 $0.00 0.0% Wastewater 5,200 gallons/month $18.76 $19.70 $0.94 5.0% winter quarter use Stormwater 8,600 sq.ft. lot, light runoff $14.26 $14.26 $0.00 0.0% Water January 5,000 gallons $22.09 $22.56 $0.47 2.1% July 21,000 gallons 8. 6 0 $2.33 4.0% Total Monthly Utility Bill $ $104. $1.41 1.4% July Water Use $140.02 $143.29 $3.27 2.3% October 17, 2006 -7- Item No. 23 A-D The following chart compares water rates among front range cities at 5,000 gallons and 21,000 gallons per month: Water Rate Comparison Avenge Residential Use January&July $100 a � � ye, E $80 O N � A q O � a N.0 N imp � q N $40 iV • m < N N 01 1- f N N Y at $20 N N N N N N 0 SO Oki u^ oe kv4° Q'� �pc�F 4 m a* lqpo 40 ,qw ®Avg Jan.5,000 Gal. E Avg July 21,000 Gal. October 17, 2006 -8- Item No. 23 A-D The following charts compare water,wastewater,stormwater,and electric utility costs for eight front range cities. It includes the recommended 2007 increases for water and wastewater for Fort Collins. Projected rate adjustments fort c' ' e my ime. Residential Utilities 2006/2007 Rate comparison January Water Use-6,000 Gallons $140 $120 $100 $80 8 S80 Y 40 $400 $20 $• Longmont Loveland Denver()(oel) Co.Spm ormleFt Collna'06 Boulder Idsor Ft Collin '07 ( ) SSA2 $10.39 $7.40 S• $4.30 SM.26 $6.65 814.28 We r $17.97 $IL26 $10.14 $22.80 617A3 SIVS $17.79 $19.70 $20.00 MWow S14.95 $13.43 $14.67 $14.64 $18.20 $22.09 $17.47 $22.56 $28.94 B Eenk $42.92 $47.41 SU12 $68.76 $62.12 M&43 $6112 SU.43 W.90 Residential Utilities 200612007 Rate Comparison July Water Use 21,000 Gallons $180 $160 $140 $120 5 i $100 f 8 $80 g $so u $40 $20 i• Loveland Longmont Denver(Xeel Greeley(Xee Ft Collins' Ft Collins'0 Co.Spn Windsor Boulder (PVREA) (Xeel) LEledric $10.39 $6.42 S7A0 $4.30 $14.26 $14.26 $• $4.89 $6.66 $13.26 $17.07 $10.14 $17A3 $18.76 $19.70 $22.60 $20.00 $17.79 $38.39 560.11 547.81 $51.48 $68.57 $80.90 $76.51 580.68 581.30 S47A1 $42.82 $82.12 $82.12 S48A3 S48A3 566.76 560.90 582.12 October 17, 2006 -9- Item No. 23 A-D ELECTRIC Development Fees Electric development chargeCnic e o c costs to the utility for each commercial or residential de The o on t of these charges are the electric capacity fee for the off-site elt , an u ing site arge for the on-site electric costs. The electric development chayp m sed ly to adjust for inflation and cost increases. The increases in electric development fees are due primarily to the significant increases experienced in the cost of the materials used to construct the systems A few examples of these increases are: Submersible transformers 52% increase in four months Primary Cable 95%increase in five months Secondary Cable 107% increase in 21 months Substation transformers 2003 purchase cost was $800,000 2006 market cost - $1,300,000 Padmounted Transformers 65% increase in 42 months The following tables compare current fees with proposed fees for residential and commercial development: Table 1-Residential Electric 4Cvelopnzoee P Y Category Charge 2006 2007 % Inc. Per square foot $0.03625 $0.04215 16.3% Per lineal front foot $7.36 $7.90 7.3% ECF 150A Single $952 $1 078 13.2% Dwelling 200A Single $1 584 $1 806 14.0% Unit 150A Multi $635 $719 13.2% 200A Multi $1 111 $1 267 14.0% 1/0 $436 $585 34.2% 4/0 $573 $756 31.9% BSC Secondary Service 350 S639 $732 14.6% 1/0 mobile $326 $458 40.5% /0 motbile $, $593 32.4% C', October 17, 2006 -10- Item No. 23 A-D Table 2—Non-Residential Development Fees Category Charge 2006 2007 % Inc. Per square f t 0 $0.04215 16.3% Per lineal fr& foot $26 7 $29.83 11.0% 2 1-' $946 13.9% ECF Service 240V 1-Ph $957 $1 091 14.0% Entrance 208V 3-Ph $1 437 $1 638 14.0% (per 100 amps 240V 3-Ph $1 658 $1 890 14.0% 480V 3-Ph $3 316 $3 779 14.0% Primary Circuit 1- h $6.51 $7.20 10.6% BSC Primary Circuit 3- h $11.13 $13.10 17.7% Transfonner Installation 1- h $1 146 $1 119 -2.4% Transformer Installation 3- h $1 806 $2 097 16.1% UTILITY BILLING hi an effort to respond to customer demands, the Utilities is anticipating implementing internet online bill payments. A propo m if do o on utility bill and mailing address will allow the Utility the flexi it to t cus ing ectations. In addition, the ordinance permits a esta en of admims ative policies for adjusting billed amounts as necessary to correct errors and to facilitate a reasonable means by which to administer adjustments efficiently and equitably. The proposed increases will be reviewed by the Water Board and Electric Board before second reading. All increases are proposed to be effective on January 1, 2007. cw."" 0 P Y' ORDINANCE NO. 173, 2006 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 26, ARTICLE III, DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS RELATING TO USER RATES AND CHARGES FOR WATER WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, to fix, establish, maintain and provide for the collection of such rates, fees or charges for utility services furnished by the City as will produce revenues sufficient to pay the costs expenses and other obligations of the water utility, as set forth therein; and WHEREAS, Section 26-1 t8 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, requires that the City Manager analyze the operating and financial records of the water utility during each calendar year and recommend to the City Council the user rate fees to be in effect for the following year; and WHEREAS,the City Manager has recommended to the City Council that the following water use rates be imposed for the billing year beginning January 1, 2007; and WHEREAS, in some instances it is beneficial for Utilities to enter into agreements with customers to outline the details of complex service agreements or to provide special services requested by customers that are beyond those required for basic water service; and WHEREAS,the City Manager has recommended that the CityCode be amended to expressly authorize the General Manager to enter into such special arrangements through a written agreement between Utilities and the customer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section1. That Section 26-119 oftheCodeoftheCityof FortCollins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-119. Charges in event of meter failure. If any meter should fail to properly register a customer's water use in any billing period, the user shall be charged according to the average quantity of water used by such customer in a similar period as shown by the meter when performing properly. In the case of a discrepancy between the readings at the remote readout and the head of the meter, the amount of water registered at the head of the meter governs. Additional charges or customer refunds related to a meter or meter read out malfunction may be made in accordance with the administrative policies adopted by the Utilities. Section2. That Section 26-118 ofthe Code of the Cityof Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-127. Schedule B, meter rates. (a) Residential Rates. (1) Residential customers with one (1) dwelling unit. a. Base Charge. Residential customers with one(1)dwelling unit shall pay a base monthly charge of twelve dollars ($12.). b. Quantity Charge. Residential customers with one (1) dwelling unit shall pay a monthly quantity charge as follows: For the first seven thousand(7,000)gallons used per month,a charge of one dollar and eighty-five and seven-tenths cents($1.857)per one thousand(1,000)gallons. For the next six thousand(6,000)gallons used per month, a charge of two dollars and thirteen and five-tenths cents ($2.135) per one thousand (1,000) gallons. For all additional gallons used per month,a charge of two dollars and forty-five and six-tenths cents ($2.456) per one thousand (1,000) gallons. (2) Residential customers with two (2) dwelling units. a. Base Charge. Residential customers with two(2)dwelling units shall pay a base monthly charge of fourteen dollars and sixty-three cents ($14.63). b. Quantity Charge. Residential customers with two (2)dwelling units shall pay a monthly quantity charge as follows: For the first nine thousand(9,000) gallons used per month, a charge of one dollar and eighty-five and seven-tenths cents($1.857)per one thousand (1,000) gallons. For the next four thousand (4,000)gallons used per month, a charge of two dollars and thirteen and five-tenths cents ($2.135) per one thousand(1,000) gallons. For all additional gallons used per month,a charge of two dollars and forty-five and six-tenths ($2.456)per one thousand (1,000) gallons. (3) Residential customers with more than two (2) dwelling units. a. Base Charge. Residential customers with more than two(2) dwelling units shall pay a base monthly charge of twelve dollars and thirty-six cents($12.36) for the first dwelling unit and four dollars and twelve cents($4.12) for the second and each additional dwelling unit. b. Quantity Charge. Residential customers with more than two (2) dwelling units shall pay a monthly quantity charge of one dollar and seventy-nine and four-tenths cents($1.794)per one thousand(1,000) gallons used in the winter season months of November through April. They shall pay a monthly quantity charge of two dollars and twenty- four and three-tenths cents($2.243)per one thousand(1,000)gallons used in the summer season months of May through October. The meter reading date shall generally determine the seasonal monthly quantity charge; however, no customer shall be billed more than six (6) full billing cycles at the summer quantity charge. (b) Nonresidential Rates. (1) Base charge. Nonresidential customers shall pay a base monthly charge based on meter size as follows: Meter Size(inches) Monthly Base Charge 3/4 $10.96 1 30.58 1 Y2 83.15 2 125.31 3 191.13 4 300.05 6 582.06 8 1,028.27 (2) Quantity charges. Nonresidential customers shall pay a monthly quantity charge of one dollar and fifty-two and four-tenths cents ($1.524) per one thousand (1,000) gallons used in the winter season months of November through April. They shall pay a monthly quantity charge of one dollar and ninety and six-tenths cents($1.906)per one thousand(1,000)gallons used in the summer season months of May through October. The meter reading date shall generally determine the seasonal monthly quantity charge, however, no customer shall be billed more than six (6) full billing cycles at the summer quantity charge. (3) Charges for excess use. Monthly water use in excess of the amounts specified in the following table shall be billed at two dollars and nineteen and one-tenth cents ($2.191)per one thousand (1,000) gallons used in the winter season months of November through April. Monthly water use in excess of the amounts specified below shall be billed at two dollars and seventy-three and nine-tenths cents ($2.739) per one thousand (1,000) gallons used in the summer season months of May through October. The meter reading date shall generally determine the seasonal billing excess quantity charge; however,no customer shall be billed more than six(6)full billing cycles at the summer excess quantity charge. Meter Size (inches) Specified Amount (gallons per month) '/< 100,000 1 300,000 1%z 625,000 2 1,200,000 3 1,400,000 4 2,500,000 (c) Service outside the City. The monthly charge for water taken through a meter by a user outside the City limits shall be the same as for like service within the City limits as specified in Subsections (a) and(b)of this Section. (d) Rates by special water services agreement. The rate structure and associated charges for water service pursuant to a special water services agreement approved by the City Council pursuant to § 26-130 shall be as set forth in said agreement. Section 3. That a new Section 26-130 is hereby added to the Code of the City of Fort Collins to read as follows: Sec. 26-130. Agreements for special water services. Special services or complex service arrangements that are beyond those required for basic water service may be arranged by a written services agreement which the General Manager may negotiate and enter into on behalf of the water utility. Said agreement shall establish the terms and conditions for any such special services or arrangements and shall incorporate by reference the requirements of this Chapter,as applicable. Any special services agreement modifying the rates, fees or charges for said services from those set forth in this Article shall be subject to approval by the City Council in accordance with § 6 of Article X11 of the Charter. Section 4. That the amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code contained herein shall go into effect on January 1, 2007 and will be effective on all utility bills where the meter reading is made on or after January 1, 2007. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 17th day of October, A.D. 2006, and to be presented for final passage on t day of November,A. 2006. Mayor , ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 7th day of November, A.D. 2006. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 174, 2006 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 26, ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS RELATING TO WASTEWATER RATES AND CHARGES WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, to fix, establish, maintain and provide for the collection of such rates, fees or charges for utility services famished by the City as will produce revenues sufficient to pay the costs expenses and other obligations of the wastewater utility, as set forth therein; and WHEREAS, Section 26-277 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, requires that the City Manager analyze the operating and financial records of the wastewater utility during each calendar year and recommend to the City Council the user rate fees or adjustments to be in effect for the following year; and WHEREAS, Section 26-277 further requires that the user rates shall be revised as necessary to assure equity of the rate system established and to assure that sufficient funds are obtained to adequately operate and maintain the wastewater system; and WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended to the City Council that the following wastewater use rates be imposed for the billing year beginning January 1, 2007; and WHEREAS, Section 26-283 of the City Code provides that the rates and parameters of the sewer plant investment fees be reviewed annually by the City Manager and be presented to City Council for approval no less frequently than biennially; and WHEREAS, a study of the sewer plant investment fees was conducted in 2005 which recommended an increase in plant investment fees of 174%; and WHEREAS,in light of the magnitude of those proposed increases,City Council determined in 2005 to buffer the impact of the fees by phasing them in over a three year period; and WHEREAS, the first phase of the new fees was adopted by Ordinance 134, 2005 and was effective January 1, 2006, and WHEREAS, in accordance with Council's earlier direction, the City Manager now recommends that the second phase of the fees be adopted to be effective January 1, 2007; and WHEREAS, in some instances it is beneficial for Utilities to enter into agreements with customers to outline details of complex service arrangements or to provide special services requested by customers that are beyond those required for basic wastewater service; and WHEREAS,the City Manager has recommended that the City Code be amended to expressly authorize General Manager to enter into such special agreements through a written agreement between the Utilities and the customer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That paragraph(c) of Section 26-279 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-279. Service charges; categories. (c) The rate determination by category is as follows: (1) If there is no water meter,the rate for Categories A and B shall be a flat rate representative of the actual cost of serving a typical user in each of these categories. (2) If water use is metered, the rate for Categories A and B and the rate for Category C shall be based on winter quarter water use in accordance with the following formula: Cu= VuC Where: Cu= Users charge per billing period Vu= Volume of winter quarter water use C = A charge per unit volume of water used based upon the cost of service per unit volume of normal, domestic-strength wastewater The user shall be charged this calculated amount and the applicable base charge as set forth in § 26-280. If any metered water service customer connects to the wastewater utility or makes a change in the use of the premises or substantially expands such premises,the General Manager shall make an estimate of the water consumption on such premises during an average winter month based upon a count of plumbing fixtures, consumption of similar customers or other information relevant to such determination and such estimate when made shall be the basis for the wastewater service charge until the actual winter use for the premises can be determined. (3) In addition to the applicable base charge set forth in§26-280,the rate for Category D shall be based upon the user's consumption of water in accordance with the following formula: Cu= VuC Where: Cu = Users charge per billing period Vu= Volume of water used per billing period C = A charge per unit volume of water used based upon the cost of service per unit volume of normal, domestic-strength wastewater (4) In addition to the applicable base charge set forth in § 26-280, users in Categories D, E and F shall be billed upon the basis of metered water consumption except where they can show to the satisfaction of the General Manager that not all of the water going through the water meter is returned to the wastewater system but is instead consumed or otherwise diverted. In such cases, and with the approval of the General Manager,the wastewater charges may be based upon one (1) of the following methods: (a) a metering device of a type and installed in a manner approved by the General Manager may be used to measure the quantity of wastewater returned to the public sewer and the actual volume of wastewater discharged will be substituted in the formula for billing purposes; or (b) when the user discharges only wastes reasonably and regularly corresponding to winter quarter water use, said winter quarter water use may be substituted in the formula for billing purposes.Any metering device used to measure wastewater shall be installed and maintained at the user's expense. (5) The rate for users in Category G shall be as set forth in § 26-280. (6) The rate for users in Category H shall be determined by negotiation with the party concerned. However, the rate shall be based upon cost of service and shall not be less than that of in-City users and shall include any wastewater strength surcharges. Section 2. That Section 26-280 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-280. Service charges established by category. The schedule of rates for each category described in § 26-279 shall be as follows: Category Class of Customer Rate Single-family residential user(flat $20.67 per month A rate) Single-family residential user $9.12 per month plus$1.820per 1,000 gallons of eithe (metered water use) winter quarter water use or 3,000 gallons,whichever is greater B Duplex(two-family)residential $32,79 per month users(flat rate) Duplex(two-family)residential $12.17 per month plus$1.820 per 1,000 gallons of users(metered water use) either winter quarter water use or 4,000 gallons, whichever is greater C Multi-family residential user(more $1.820 per 1,000 gallons of winter quarter water use, than two dwelling units including plus a base charge of$1.44 per month per dwelling mobile home parks)and winter unit served quarter based nonresidential user D Minor nonresidential user $1.820 per 1,000 gallons of water use,measured sewage flow or winter quarter water use,whichever is applicable,plus the following applicable base charge: Size of water meter(inches) Base charge Y or smaller 6.14 1 14.03 1 1/2 28.40 2 47.53 3 78.98 4 132.64 6 650.30 8 706.14 E and F Intermediate nonresidential and $1.820 per 1,000 gallons of water use,measured Significant industrial user wastewater flow or winter quarter water use,whicheve is applicable;plus a surcharge of$1.744 per million gallons for each milligram per liter of suspended solids in excess of 250 milligrams per liter;plus a surcharge of$1.464 per million gallons for each milligram per liter of BOD in excess of 200 milligrams per liter or a surcharge of$0.903 per million gallons for each milligram per liter of COD in excess of 300 milligrams per liter,or a surcharge of$2.621 per million gallons for each milligram per liter of TOC in excess of 100 milligrams per liter,whichever is applicable.The user shall pay this calculated amount plus the applicable base charge set forth below: Size of water meter Base charge (inches) 3/4 or smaller $6.14 1 14.03 1 1/2 28.40 2 47.53 3 78.98 4 132.64 6 650.30 8 706.14 G User outside City limits The rate for users outside the City limits shall be the same as for like service inside the City limits as is specified in Categories A—F and H in this Section H Special with agreement The rate pursuant to a special wastewater services agreement approved by the City Council pursuant to§26- 290 shall be set forth in said agreement. Section 3. That paragraph(a) of Section 26-282 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-282. Wastewater strength or industrial surcharges and categories established. (a) The schedule of wastewater strength surcharge for customers located either inside or outside the city limits shall be as follows: Excess over Rate per Parameter (mg/V 1,000gallons BOD 200 $ 0.001464 COD 300 0.000903 TOC 100 0.002621 TSS 250 0.001744 Section 4. That paragraphs(a)and(d)of Section 26-282 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-284. Sewer plant investment fees and surcharges established. (a) The schedule of sewer plant investment fees, subject to the exceptions and additional requirements provided in this Section, is as follows: Category SPIF A $2,223 B and C $ 1 ,583 for each dwelling unit or mobile home space Category Water meter size inches Fee D, E, F 3/4 $ 4,749 1 12,151 1Yz 21,965 2 38,865 3 81,086 4 and above Calculated on an individual basis based on peak wastewater flow (determined in the manner set forth hereinafter) but not less than the charge for a three-inch meter G Same as equivalent category, plus any special sanitation district fees. H Determined pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section. (d) The amount of the plant investment fee and surcharge for each nonresidential surcharged user, users in Category H and any user that is expected to generate greater than its proportionate share of peak day flow at the treatment plant for the applicable category (including both contributed wastewater volume and volume related to infiltration and inflow), shall be calculated utilizing the following formula: SPIF = Flow x [Flow$ + (BOD x BOD,) + (TSS x TSS,)] Where: SPIF= Plant investment fee for Category H users and users discharging wastewater with average concentrations of BOD and/or TSS which exceed those average concentrations which are set forth in § 26- 282(b) under Category E-34 Flow = The user's proportionate share of peak day flow at the treatment plant including both contributed wastewater volume and volume related to infiltration and inflow Flows = $3.59 per gallon (unit cost of facilities attributable to treating wastewater flow) BOD = Average BOD concentration for user category or measured BOD concentration for the user as determined in accordance with Subsection (c) of this Section, but not less than 200 mg/l BODs= $0.0078 per mg/l(unit cost of facilities attributable to treating BOD) TSS = Average TSS concentration for user category or measured TSS concentration for the user as determined in accordance with Subsection(c) of this Section, but not less than 250 mg/l TSSs = $0.0062 per mg/l (unit cost of facilities attributable to treating TSS) (e) The plant investment fee and surcharge for users in Categories D, E, F and G shall be the greater of that calculated utilizing the formula set forth in Subsection (d)of this Section or the plant investment fee for the applicable water meter size set forth in Subsection (a)of this Section. (f) For purposes of this Section,the proportionate share of peak day flow at the treatment plant for users in categories D, E and F shall be deemed to be: Water meter size Peak flow (gallons per day) (inches) '/a 709 1 1,814 1% 3,279 2 5,802 3 12,105 4 and greater Calculated on an individual basis based on user's proportionate share of peak day flow at the treatment plant (including both contributed wastewater volume and volume related to infiltration and inflow) but not less than the peak day flow for a three-inch meter Section 5. That a new section is hereby added to the Code of the City of Fort Collins to be numbered as Section 26-290 and it shall read as follows: Sec. 26-290. Agreements for special wastewater services. Special services or complex service arrangements that are beyond those required for basic wastewater service may be arranged by a written services agreement which the General Manager may negotiate and enter into on behalf of the wastewater utility. Said agreement shall establish the terms and conditions for any such special services or arrangements and shall incorporate by reference the requirements of this Chapter, as applicable. Any special services agreement modifying the rates, fees or charges for said services from those set forth in this Article shall be subject to approval by the City Council in accordance with § 6 of Article XH of the Charter. Section 6. That the amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code contained herein shall go into effect on January 1, 2007. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 17th day of October, A.D. 2006, and to be presented for final passage on the day of November, A.P. 2006. Mayo ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 7th day of November, A.D. 2006. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk ORDINANCE NO, 175 , 2006 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 26, ARTICLE V, DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS RELATING TO ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT FEES AND CHARGES WHEREAS , the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, to fix, establish, maintain and provide for the collection of such rates, fees or charges for utility services furnished by the City as will produce revenues sufficient to pay the costs, expenses and other obligations of the electric utility, as set forth therein; and WHEREAS , the City Council has determined that it is appropriate for new development to contribute its proportionate share of providing capital improvements ; and WHEREAS, Section 26-471 of the City Code requires that the electric development fees be reviewed annually by the City Manager and that the fees shall be presented to the City Council for approval no less than annually; and WHEREAS , the City Manager and staff have recommended to the City Council the following adjustments to the electric development fees and charges for all billings issued on or after January 1 , 2007 ; and WHEREAS , based on the foregoing, it is the desire of the City Council to amend Chapter 26 of the City Code to revise electric development fees and charges . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows : Section 1 . That Section 26-463 of the eode of the eity of Fort eoiiins is hereby rettinbered as Section 26-398 , moved from Division 4 of Article vt of ehapter 26 to Division I of Article 'v'f, and amended to read as fbilows . - , b . person,( a) The rules and regulations applicable to electric service and persons receiving ekt.. h it., SCI V lCe ftom itie eity shati be such rules and regulations as are (b) 'Upon stich adoption and approval , all stich rules and regulations shall be in full force and effect and shall apply to any Sec. 24-399 . Agreements fox special electric sex vices* Special scivices ot complex service arrangements that are beyond t! required for basic electri%., n � l v ik� L Illay be arranged by a written services agreement, which shall provide for lite terms and conditions for any such special services or arrangentents and shall iticorpoi ate by reference the icquimmetits of tiIis ehapter, as applicable , and which the 6eneral Manager ma 11%�8kitictILC alld enter into on behalf charges for said services fi-om those set forth in this 7krticle shall be subject to approval by ttic eity eouticii in accordance wmith § 6 of Article �Eff of tile eflarter. Section 3 . That existing Section -26-46-2 of the eode of the eity of Fort eollins is hereb renumbered as Section 46-2 is hereby added to Division 4 of Artide - - 24-462 . DeteT inination of user rates , (a) The eity Manager shall analyze the operating and financial records o titility during each calendar year and recommend to the eity eouncit user rates or adjustments to be in effect for the f6flowing year . (b) The eity imartager shall base the recommendation on fille actual coost of ser ing each class of user including in the consideration costs of opera I Llll& � maintaining,-replacing and repairing the cklctric utility ' s electric distribution systerrr, costs for administration, persontic! and billing, capital improvement costs , the number of ttsers and the estimated tit of such costs among the users i each class . The user charges shall be revised as necessary to as3ul k., �4UILy �ftlie ratC system established and a3sttt-c that sufficient funds are obtained to adequately operate and maintain the electric distribution systent. Where not otherwise provided in this Division, in addition to the monthly service char8cs set forth herein, there shall be a charge for payments in liett of taxes in the artiount equal to six and zero-tentlis (6 . 0) percent of said motithly Me charges bille& Section 4 . That Section -26 -4650 ) of the eode of ttie eity of Fort eottins is hereby dcfctcd ' - . rates ,0 ) Special Services. The electric utility is authorized to provide special services and capabilities which are beyond those required for bask SCI vl%X � provided that stich special services and capabilities are described in a VVIIALALkAl agrecinctit betwcen the vtility and thc Mstorticr, which agreement shall also set ford the utility charges associated with the provision of stich special services an capabilities . The General Manager shall establish the fees , payment terms for the provision of such special serviees and capabilities . fn setting the rates , fees and eharges to be paid by the customer under a special serviees agreement, the Eieneral Manager shall set them it , at , cutiount that satisfies the eharter. Section 5 . That section -26-466(k) of ttic eodc of ttic eity of Fort eottins is hereby defcted ' Sec. 26-466. GeneT a! service, schedule . special services and capabilities which arc bcyond those required for basit. SCI v tcc , provided that stich special services and capabilities are described in a writtelml agreement between the utility and the customer, which agreement shall also set fortlill the tttitity charges associated with the provision of such speciaf services an capabilities . The Eicticraf matiagcr shaft establish the rates , fees, chargcs , and payment terms for the provision of such special services and capabilities . fn settin&- the rates , fees and charges to be paid by the customer under a special services agreement, the 6encraf Manager shall set them III all allivulit that satisfies the eharter. Section 6 . That Section -26-467(m) of tfie eode of tfie eity of Fort eoitins is hereby defctcd ' . rates,special services and capabilities which are beyond those required for basiC SCI vtkC � provided that such special services and capabilities are described in a writteirl agreement between the utility and the customer, which agreement sliall also set forth the titility chargcs associated with thc provision of stich speciaf services and capabilities . The General manager shall establish the an fees, charges , payment terms for the provision of such special services and capabilities . fn setting the rates , fees and charges to be paid by the customer under a speciaf services applicable cost-of--service criteria contained in Section 6 of Article Xfi of the eit der. Section 7 . That Section -26-468 (ti) of ttic eodc of tfic eity of Fort eoffitis is hereby $ewe - . rates,(n) Special S-errices The electric utility is authorized to provide special services and capabilities which are beyond those required for basic SM V Me , provided that sinch spcciaf serviccs and capabilities are described in a written agreement between the utility and the customer, which agreement shall also set fortfil the utility charges associated with the provision of such special services an capabilities . The Eieneraf manager shaf! establish the an fees, charges , the ratesi fees and charges to be paid by the etistomer tinder a special services agreement, the 6eneral Manager shall set thein it , an aniount that satisfies the appficabtc cvst-of- scrvicv. criteria contained in Section 6 of Article xff of ttle eit eharter. Section 8H . That Section 26-472 (b) and (c) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 26-472. Residential electric development fees and charges (b) The ECF shall be the total of the site footage charge, dwelling charge and systems modification charge, to be determined as follows : ( 1 ) The site footage charge shall be the combined total of: a. Four and two hundred fifteen one-thousandths cents ( $6 . 036-25)(0 . 04215 ) per square foot of developed site square footage, including all applicable tracts but excluding the area dedicated public rights-of-way; and b . Seven dollars and thirty-six ninety cents ( S7 . 36)($7 . 90) per lineal foot of the developed site abutting a dedicated street or roadway. (2) The dwelling unit charge shall be as follows : a. For single-family panel size with one-hundred-fifty-amp service (nonelectric heat), nine hundred fifty-twoone thousand seventy- eight dollars ( ) ($ 1 , 078 .) per dwelling unit; b . For single-family panel size with two-hundred-amp service (nonelectric heat or electric heat), one thousand five hundred eighty- foureight hundred six dollars ( S f 5$4 .)($ 1 , 806 .) per dwelling unit; c . For multi-family panel size with one-hundred-fifty-amp service (nonelectric heat), six hundred thirty-fiveseven hundred nineteen dollars ( $635 .) ($ 719 .) per dwelling unit; d. For multi-family panel size with two-hundred-amp service (nonelectric heat or electric heat), one thousand one hundred cteventwo hundred sixty- seven dollars $ f , lff .) ($ 1 ,267 .) per dwelling unit. (3 ) A system modifications charge will apply when a new or modified service will require infrastructure in addition to or different from the standard base electrical system model. The differential costs associated with such system modifications will be included in the calculated ECF . (c) A Building Site Charge ("BSC") for any new or modified residential service shall be paid prior to issuance of a building permit for the related construction or modification. The BSC shall be based upon the current rates as of the time of issuance of the building permit. The BSC shall be the total of the secondary service charges, and any additional charges, determined as follow : ( 1 ) The secondary service charge shall be as follows : Secondary Service Size Charge (up to 65 feet) Plus Per Foot Charge For Each Foot Over 65 1 /0 service $ 36,00 $585 , 00 $3-6-5 $4.24/Foot 4/0 service $5-73,00 $756 , 00 $4�6 $5 .46/Foot 350 kCM Service $639,00 $732 , 00 $ 2 f $5 . 82/Foot 1 /0 Mobile Home Service $3 -26.06 $458 . 00 N/A 4/0 Mobile Home Service $435 , 00 $593 , 00 N/A (2) Actual special costs to the utility of installation of secondary service resulting from site conditions shall be included in the BSC as additional charges . Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, frozen or rocky soil, concrete cutting and asphalt replacement. Section 92 . That Section 26-473 (b) and (c) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 26-473 . Nonresidential electric development fees and charges. (b) The ECF shall be the total of the site footage charge, service entrance charge and systems modification charge, to be determined as follow: ( 1 ) The site footage charge shall be the combined total of: a. Four and two hundred fifteen one- thousandths cents ($0 . 04215) per square foot of developed site square footage, including all applicable tracts but excluding the area of dedicated public rights-of-way; and b. - - Twenty-nine dollars and eighty- three cents ( $26 . 87) ($29 . 83 ) per lineal foot of the developed site abutting a dedicated street or roadway. (2) The service entrance charge shall be as follows : a. For single-phase service at two hundred eight (208) volts, cight hundred nine hundred forty-six dollars ( $ 83-0.) ($946 .) per one hundred ( 100) amps ; b . For single-phase service at two hundred forty (240) volts, nine fifty-sevenhundred one thousand ninety-one dollars { $957 .) ($ 1 ,091 .) per one hundred ( 100) amps. c . For three-phase service at two hundred eight (208) volts, one thousand six hundred thirty-eight dollars ) ($ 1 ,638 .) per one hundred ( 100) amps; d. For three-phase service at two hundred forty (240) volts, one thousand six hundred fifty-eighteight hundred ninety dollars ($ 1 �65$) ($ 1 , 890 . ) per one hundred ( 100) amps ; e . For three-phase service at four hundred eighty (480) volts, three thousand finee hundred sixteen seven hundred seventy-nine dollars ( $39316) ($3 ,779 .) per one hundred ( 100) amps . (3 ) A system modifications charge will apply when a new or modified service will require infrastructure in addition to or different from the standard base electrical system model. The differential costs associated with such system modifications will be included in the calculated ECF . (c) A Building Site Charge ("BSC") for extending primary circuitry to the transformer for any new or modified nonresidential service shall be invoiced and paid in the same manner and at the same time as the ECF is invoiced and paid pursuant to § 26-473 (a) . The BSC shall be the total of the primary circuit charge, transformer installation charge and any additional charges, determined as follows : ( 1 ) The primary circuit charge for service from the utility source to the transformer shall be as follows : a. or single-phase service, a charge of six dollars and fifty-oneseven dollars and twenty cents ) ($7 .20) per foot of primary circuit; b. For three-phase service, a charge of eleven dollars and thirt thirteen dollars and ten cents ( ) ($ 13 . 10) per foot of primary circuit. (2) The transformer installation charge shall be as follows : a. For single-phase service, a charge of one thousand one hundred sixnineteen dollars t , f 46 .)($ 1 , 119) per transformer; b. For three-phase service, a charge of one thousand eight hun third two thousand ninety-seven dollars ) ($2 ,097) per transformer. (3) Actual special costs to the utility of installation of service resulting from site conditions shall be included in the BSC as additional charges. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, frozen or rocky soil, concrete cutting and asphalt replacement. Section 1-03 . That the amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code contained herein shall go into effect for all bills issued on or after January 1 , 2007 . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 17th day of October, A.D . 2006 , and to be presented for final passage on the 7th day of November, A.D . 2006 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 7th day of November, A.D . 2006 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk ORDINANCE NO. 176, 2006 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 26, ARTICLES I AND XII OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS RELATING TO UTILITY BILLS AND NOTICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS FOR BILLING AND COLLECTION WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado,to provide for the collection of rates, fees or charges for utility services famished by the City; and WHEREAS, Chapter 26 of the City Code requires that utility bills and notices be mailed to the user; and WHEREAS,new technology has made it possible for the City to deliver such utilitybills and notices electronically; and WHEREAS, many users prefer the convenience of receiving their utility bills and notices electronically and they do not desire to receive them through delivery by the Postal Service; and WHEREAS,the delivery of a utility bill and notices via electronic mail is cost effective;and WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended to the City Council that the Code be changed to allow users an option of electronic delivery of utility bills and notices; and WHEREAS,the monthly rates and fees established in Chapter 26 by City Council are based on costs of providing typical or normal utility services; and WHEREAS,Section 26-720 of the CityCode authorizes the Financial Officer to promulgate administrative rules and regulations for the administration of utility billing and collections; and WHEREAS,in order to clarify that reasonable billing practices related to account corrections, write-offs and adjustments are authorized within the scope of such rules and regulations, staff has proposed a revision to Section 26-720 to that effect. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That Section 26-1 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to add a definition of the term "Customer" and the term "Mailing address" and to revise the definition of the term"Utility bill'to read as follows: Sec. 26-1. Definitions. Customer shall mean a user of one(1)or more city utility services in whose name an account for related charges or other related financial responsibilities is maintained by the Financial Officer. Mailing address shall mean the postal address or electronic mail address that has been provided by the customer to the General Manager, as shown in the records of the Financial Officer, and to which all utility bills and notices to said customer shall be sent. Utility bill shall mean the bill issued by the Financial Officer to a utility customer for utility services furnished,charges assessed,adjusted or negotiated and payments due thereon,late payment fees,penalties and all other sums due to the City from said customer. Section 2. That Section 26-5 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-5. Notice requirements generally. Unless otherwise specified, whenever notice is required to be given by the provisions of this Chapter,it shall be to the last known mailing address of the person to be notified as shown on the records of the City. Service of such notice shall be effective upon the date of mailing. Section3. That Section26-711 of the Code ofthe CityofFort Collins is hereby amended to delete the definitions of the term"Owner"and the term"Utility bill'. Section 4. That paragraph(b)of Section 26-713 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-713. Due date; delinquency. (b) All charges and fees on utility bills shall be effective as of the date mailed to the last known mailing address of the customer,and shall be considered delinquent _. _. _.. r if payment is not received by the City by midnight of the due date as specified on the utility bill. Section 5. That subsection(e)of Section 26-718 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-718. Unpaid charges a lien. (e) Delinquent fees together with interest and collection costs may also be collected by civil suit against the owner of the property served or by any other lawful means, at any time after the charges become delinquent. The remedies provided under this Article are cumulative and supplemental to each other. ection6. That Section26-720oftheCodeoftheCit ofFortCollinsishereb S y y amended to read as follows: Sec. 26-720. Administrative procedures. The Financial Officer may formulate and promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this Article, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, with respect to the billing and collection of utility fees and charges and other matters relating to the administration of customer accounts. Said rules and regulations may regulate without limitation,the forms and procedures for giving notice to customers; policies for adjusting billed amounts as necessary to correct errors or for administrative effrciencyorto achieve equity;procedures for appeals;and procedures for the documentation of liens. Any rules or regulations promulgated by the Financial Officer hereunder shall be effective upon the Financial Officer's filing of the same with the City Clerk. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 17th day of October, A.D. 2006, and to be presented for final passage on t day of November, A.D. 2006. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 7th day of November, A.D. 2006. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk