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Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	02/12/2018
Ordinance 2018-03 Amending Sections 70-134 and 70-159 of the Municipal Code Regarding Billing Adjustments for Water and Sewer Service
Submitted by:	Kirk Bednar, Administration
Department:	Administration

Information

Subject

Ordinance 2018-03 Amending Sections 70-134 and 70-159 of the Municipal Code Regarding Billing Adjustments for Water and Sewer Service

Background

In response to customer concerns about the equity of the City's existing billing adjustment policies related to water leaks on the customer's side of the water meter, the City Commission recently undertook a review of the existing billing adjustment policies. As a result of that review, it was decided to modify the billing adjustment formula for water leaks to reduce the financial impact for major leaks that were unknown to the customer until identified through the water meter reading process.

The current methodology for calculating billing adjustments for both water and sewer service is provided for in Chapter 70 of the Municipal Code. When considering the necessary amendments to Chapter 70 related to water leak adjustments, staff identified a need to consider development of a more expansive billing adjustment policy to cover various administrative procedures, timelines, etc. related to utility billing adjustments. This policy would more clearly explain the procedures and document existing administrative practices.

In lieu of adding all of this additional language to the Municipal Code and making it more difficult to amend if needed in the future, staff is recommending the attached ordinance which amends Sections 70-134 and 70-159 of the Municipal Code to delete the specific billing adjustment methodology and policies and instead authorizes the Board of Commissioners to adopt via resolution a separate Billing Adjustment Policy for water and sewer services provided by the City.

Attached for your review is Ordinance 2018-03 and a redlined version of Sections 70-134 and 70-159 of the Municipal Code so you can identify the specific changes being proposed. Also attached is a draft version of the proposed new Billing Adjustment Policy.

If Ordinance 2018-03 is approved on first reading at the February 12, 2018 meeting, the ordinance will be considered on second reading at the February 26 meeting. The agenda for the February 26, 2018 meeting will also include a resolution to formally adopt the new Billing Adjustment Policy.

If you have any questions, please contact the City Manager or Water Services Director Chris Milton.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2018-03.

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	N/A
Source of Funds:
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Fiscal Impact:

Adoption of Ordinance 2018-03 will have no direct financial impact on the city but the future adoption of the billing adjustment policy would result in a reduction of revenue to the Water and Sewer Fund resulting from leak adjustments.

Attachments
Ordinance 2018-03
Redline Version of Sections 70-134 and 70-159
Draft Leak Adjustment Policy