CC PACKET 02261991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM DATE: February 25, 1991 TO: Thomas D. Burt, City Manager FROM: Roger Larson, Finance Director ITEM: SEWER RATES AND CHARGES Section 540:00 of City Ordinance establishes the sewer rate and sets forth billing procedures to charge the occupants of any St. Anthony dwelling connected to the sanitary sewer system. In the fall of 1990, Council acknowledged a rate increase was necessary to balance the 1991 sewer budget. Using the surcharge formula developed in 1988, it was determined that $1.41 per 100 cubic feet of water would allow the City to efficiently dispose of its solid waste. The new rate was implement in the fall billing quarter (we collect these monies in January and February) and residential inquires/questions concerning the increase have been minimal. However, a new resident(Mr. Steve Chesley, 3418 Silver Lane)has questioned our approach to billing new homeowners/occupants. Current ordinance, Section 540:00, Subdivision #2, Paragraph c., reads as follows: 1) If a person first becomes the occupant of residential premises during or after the first quarter, and in any other case where a water meter is not in use during all of the first quarter, the quarterly charge will be based upon 4,000 cubic feet of water, and the charge shall be pro-rated from the date of occupancy. After the 1st billing run has been calculated all properties pay 4 equal payment based on these winter quarter consumption figures. Mr. Chesley is concerned he is paying more than his fair share by the ordinance reading"based upon 4,000 cubic feet of water" (he has to pay the-City $56.40 per quarter for 1991 sanitary waste disposal). Mr. Chesley contacted the finance department to voice his concerns and I informed him how' his sewer billing was calculating under present City Ordinance. I also indicated that Subdivision #8 reads: 1) Any owner or occupant having any objection to sewer charges imposed pursuant to this ordinance may appeal to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk. The appeal shall fully set forth the specific sewer charges included in the appeal, a description of the premises involved, and other relevant facts relating to the sewer charges included in the appeal.