Loading...
Code of Ordinances Amendment - Title 13 Water Use, Rates, Exceptions FY21City of Dubuque ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Copyrighted June 1, 2020 Action Items # 7. Code of Ordinances Amendment - Title 13 Water Use, Rates and Service - Addition of Residential Rate Exception City Manager recommending adoption of an amendment to City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1 C-1 Residential, Commercial, Industrial and other uses. ORDINANCE Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1 C-1 Residential, Commercial, Industrial and all other uses Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Motion B; Motion A ATTACHMENTS: Description Amending Code of Ordinance for Water Use and Service Rates-MVM Memo Staff Memo DRAFT - Reduced Utilities Fees Application 2020 Ordinance Suggested Motion Wording Type City Manager Memo Staff Memo Supporting Documentation Ordinance Supporting Documentation Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Dubuque kritil All-A.aia City 111111 2007.2012.2013 2017*2019 SUBJECT: Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1C-1 Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and other uses, Addition of Residential Rate Exception DATE: May 28, 2020 Water Department Manager Denise Blakeley Ihrig is recommending adoption of an amendment to City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1C-1 Residential, Commercial, Industrial and other uses. In Fiscal Year 2004 the City Council established General Fund funding to help low- income households pay their monthly stormwater utility fee, similar to an existing discount given to refuse collection customers that was funded by refuse collection fees. As part of the FY21 budget process the City Council approved extending this general fund benefit to the Water and Sanitary Sewer City run utilities and to switch the funding for the refuse collection discount from the refuse fund to the General Fund. An ordinance change is necessary to ensure consistency across enterprises. The attached ordinance language directs the City Manager to develop a policy for evaluating cases of extreme financial hardship, whereby the City Manager would have the ability to make adjustments in the residential rate as determined by the terms and conditions of the adopted policy. The low-income discounts will be approved based on the following criteria and generally the attached form: City of Dubuque Reduced Utility Fee Policy • Residents of the City of Dubuque • Individually billed residential account holders/customers — billed to resident of unit (Bill covers a single unit or a duplex in which the property owner resides in one -unit) • Extreme financial hardship • Authority to require such proof of financial status or extreme hardship • Annual income equal to or less than the income standards used by HUD for its "Section 8 Housing Program" for the size of that household may, upon application to the City Manager or designee, receive a credit for up to one-half (1/2) the established base rate, the actual credit being subject to: o The number of credits available o Income of applicants o Number of applicants o Budgeted/available funds. • City reserves the right to limit the number of credits available and adjust the amount of credit received based on the income of applicants, number of applicants and available funds • An annual application shall be made by the account holder of the City of Dubuque utility bill for the premises to verify annual income and eligibility. This policy and the application form are subject to revision by the City Manager from time to time. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. 7.' Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Denise Blakeley Ihrig, Water Department Manager 2 Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Denise Blakeley Ihrig, Water Department Manager Dubuque AII-America City 1 ' 2007. 2012 . 2013 . 2017 SUBJECT: Amending City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1 C-1 Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and other uses, Addition of Residential Rate Exception DATE: May 26, 2020 INRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to present a proposed ordinance amendment for your review and approval. The amendment would revise City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1 Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1 C-1 Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Use and all other uses. BACKGROUND On April 23, 2020 the City of Dubuque Council adopted Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1, Water Use and Service, Article C Rates, Section 13-1C-1(A) Fixing Water Rates for Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and All Other Uses. The ordinances established water rates effective July 1, 2020. DISCUSSION In FY04, the City Council established non-stormwater utility funding to help low-income households pay their monthly stormwater utility fee. As part of the FY21 budget process the City Council approved extending this benefit to other City run utilities. An ordinance change is necessary to ensure consistency across enterprises. The attached ordinance language directs the City Manager to develop a policy for evaluating cases of extreme financial hardship, whereby the City Manager would have the ability to make adjustments in the residential rate as determined by the terms and conditions of the adopted policy. The action would occur via the attached ordinance as amended, with the addition of 13-1 C-1 (E) Residential Rate Exception to the previously adopted ordinance. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the attached proposed ordinance amendment be submitted to the City Council for adoption, with an effective date of July 1, 2020. cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Director of Finance and Budget Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer file:///F:\Users\Water_Plant_Administration\BUDGET\FY21 Budget\FY21 WaterOrdinanceMemotoCityManager5-26-2020.docx Masterpiece ❑n the Mississippi 2020 APPLICATION FOR REDUCED UTILITY FEES Utility Billing Office City Hall 50 West 13th St. PO Box 1063 Dubuque, IA 52001 563-589-4144 The ordinances which establish monthly utility fees allow for a reduction of base fees for residential premises. Eligibility is based on household size and income. INCOME GUIDELINES ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Income Limit $29,050 $33,200 $37,350 $41,450 $44,800 $48,100 $51,400 $54,750 as (Print) Last Name First Middle Maiden Head of Household living at Address Apt# Dubuque, Iowa, hereby apply for a reduction in monthly water, sewer, refuse & stormwater fees and submit the following information to support my application: 1) Total gross annual household income from all persons (18 and older) $ 2) Do you currently receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher assistance? Yes* No *If yes, proof of income is not required. Skip to number 4. 3) Do you file a federal income tax return? Yes No If ygs, must include a copy of most recent year tax return. If j, include copy of all that apply: W-2, three consecutive pay stubs for wages/salary, bonuses, social security benefit information for all persons residing in the household, pension benefit information, child support, alimony, rental income and any other income, etc. 4) Telephone number 5) List all occupants living in the household First Name Last Name Social Security Number Date of Birth Relationship to you 1 Self 2 3 4 5 6 Additional Information I declare, under penalties of perjury, that the information provided above is correct and true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I agree to notify the City of Dubuque immediately of any change in the information provided above. I authorize the City of Dubuque to verify information submitted. ❑ I have included documentation to support my income. Signature of Applicant Date FOR CITY USE ONLY Account # Route Received by Date Emailed Housing confirm HCV Approved throulc h 20 Denied:❑ Overincome ❑Sent Letter ❑Did not provide proof of income Reviewed by Date May 2020 City of Dubuque Reduced Utility Fees Application must be submitted by the head of household for your primary residence only. Print your complete name. Print your full address, including any apartment number. The application requests the following additional information in support of your application: Question 1: Enter your TOTAL GROSS household income for the year. Remember that this figure must include the income of ALL persons 18 and older residing in the household, and must include income from salary and wages, social security, child support, pensions, insurance benefits, alimony, interest and dividends and all other income. Question 2: Please indicate if you receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucherassistance. Question 3: Please indicate if you file a federal income return. If Yes, include copy of most recent tax return filed. If No, include a copy of all that apply: W-2, copies of three consecutive pay stubs for wages/salary, social security benefit information for all persons residing in the household, pension benefit information, child support, alimony, rental income and any other income, etc. City requires some form of verification of income. Question 4: Enter your telephone number. Question 5: Enter the total number of persons living in your household, including yourself. (Note: Must provide first and last name, social security number, date of birth and relationship for yourself and each individual) After completing the form, check the information carefully and read the declaration before signing. By signing the application, you are declaring, under penalty of perjury, that the information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief, and that you agree to notify the City of any change in the information provided. Be sure that the application is SIGNED AND DATED before returning to City Hall. Annual renewal required. Return Aaalication form to: City of Dubuque Utility Billing 50 West 13th Street (52001-4845) PO Box 1063 Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1063 Fax 563-690-6688 utilityb©cityofdubuque.org If you have any questions, please call Utility Billing at (563)589-4144. ORDINANCE NO. 23-20 AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES, CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES, SECTION 13-1 C-1 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Section 13-1 C-1 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES, of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows: 13-1 C-1: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES: E. Residential Rate Exception. The City Manager shall establish a policy for evaluating cases of extreme financial hardship and the City's ability to make adjustments in the monthly residential rate as determined by the terms and conditions of the policy and the funds allocated, and available, through the budget process. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect on the 1st day of July, 2020. Passed, approved and adopted this 1st day of June, 2020. Roy D. Bucyp, Mayor Attest: Kevipf S. Firnstahl, City b lerk EFFECT OF AMENDMENT 13-1C-1: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES: A. Rates Established: The rates to be charged for water for residential, commercial, industrial and all other uses and purposes by any person, firm or corporation within the City shall be based on units of one hundred (100) cubic feet (748 gallons) or per gallon as follows: Monthly Consumption (In Hundreds Of Cubic Feet) Charge Per Hundred Cubic Feet First 30 [i3.85 Next 120 Next 350 Next 500 Over 1,000 3.14 2.91 2.57 2.28 Monthly Consumption (In Gallons) Charge Per Gallon First 22,440 $0.00512 Next 89,760 [0.00419 Next 261,800 F0.00391 Next 374,000 0.00345 r Over 748,000 0.00302 Rates shall be subject to the following minimum monthly charge according to the size of the meter: 2 Monthly Monthly Meter Size Consumption Consumption (Inches) (In Hundreds Of Cubic Feet) (In Gallons) 5/8 2 3/4 5 1 8 1 1 /2 26 2 3 4 6 46 106 168 368 8 625 1,496 3,740 5,984 19,448 34,408 79,288 125,664 Minimum Charge $ 7.66 19.15 30.64 [99.57 [165.04 [353.09 [543.63 275,264 1,128.57 467,500 1,837.20 A property owner shall pay a fifty dollar ($50.00) disconnect fee for water service that is disconnected by the City for a meter not in service. When a tenant account is subject to disconnection due to delinquency, the tenant shall pay the fifty dollar ($50.00) disconnect fee. A fifty dollar ($50.00) service call fee shall be charged to property owners or tenant account for those service calls that are determined to be related to customer negligence. A seven dollar ($7.00) minimum monthly charge shall be assessed for meters not in service. (Ord. 15-19, 3-7-2019, eff. 7-1-2019) B. Rates Outside City Limits: The rates to be charged for water supplied by the City to residential, commercial, industrial and other uses and purposes by any person outside the corporation limits of the City, shall be at one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the rates set forth in subsection A of this section. C. Estimated Billings: For all meters in service, bills will be issued monthly. When a meter is not read monthly for any reason, bills will be issued on estimated consumption. For estimated billings, either on alternate months or when readings are not obtainable for any reason, consumption will be predicated on the monthly average of past usage for the meter. For estimated bills issued for an account in 3 which historical data is not available, billing will be predicated on the minimum charge and related consumption identified for the size of the meter in service for the particular account. D. Adjustments From Estimated Readings: Adjustments from estimated readings will be made when an actual meter reading is obtained. The adjustment will be reflected on the user's next regular bill. (2007 Code § 44-201) E. Residential Rate Exception. The City Manager shall establish a policy for evaluating cases of extreme financial hardship and the City's ability to make adjustments in the monthly residential rate as determined by the terms and conditions of the policy and the funds allocated, and available, through the budget process. 4 Ad text : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION ORDINANCE NO. 23-20 AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES, CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES, SECTION 13-1C-1 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. Section 13-1C-1 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES, of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows: 13-1C-1: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND ALL OTHER USES: E. "Residential Rate Exception. The City Manager shall establish a policy for evaluating cases of extreme financial hardship and the City's ability to make adjustments in the monthly residential rate as determined by the terms and conditions of the policy and the funds allocated, and available, through the budget process. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect on the lst day of July, 2020. Passed, approved and adopted this 1st day of June, 2020. /s/Roy D. Buol, Mayor Attest: /s/Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk Published officially in the Telegraph Herald newspaper on the 5th day of June 2020. /s/Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk lt 6/5 STATE OF IOWA SS: DUBUQUE COUNTY CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION I, Kathy Goetzinger, a Billing Clerk for Woodward Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher of the Telegraph Herald, a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the attached notice was published in said newspaper on the following dates: 06/05/2020 and for which the charge is 15.15 7atl` Subscribed to bef/e me, a Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa, this 5th day of June, 2020 Notary lic in and for Dubuque County, Iowa. JANET K. PAPE Commission Number 199859 My p, DEC 11, 2022