Water Pool Service FeesMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Bob Green, Water Department Manager
SUBJECT: Pool Service Fee Increase — FY2013 Budget
DATE: December 5, 2011
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with information and request that
the pool service fee be increased as of July 1, 2012.
DISCUSSION:
The Water Department on an annual average fills between 15 — 20 swimming pools.
The current fee for this service is $20.00 per hour with a minimum fee of $40.00 plus the
cost of water.
In review of this current fee we find it to be less than our actual cost in providing this
service.
It is our recommendation that this fee be increased to $25.00 per hour with a minimum
fee of $50.00 plus the cost of water.
I have attached for your review an analysis of cost for a service call (attachment 1).
It is estimated that this proposed increase will generate an additional $150 - $200
annually in support of our cost in providing this service.
ACTION:
Staff and I are recommending with your approval that this fee be increased from the
current $20.00 per hour with a minimum fee of $40.00 plus the cost of water to $25.00
per hour with a minimum fee of $50.00 plus the cost of water through our 2013 budget
process.
As per City Code of Ordinances Chapter 1 Water Use and Services Article C — Rates,
Section 13-1C-3 Construction Use, Paragraph D, states that this action step does not
require City Council approval (Attachment 2).
Staff and I are available to discuss and answer any questions you may have.
BG:ve
Attachments
cc: Jenny Larson, Budget Director
Jackie Rodriguez, Water Plant Manager
Mike Brekke, Water Distribution Supervisor
File
Attachment 1
City of Dubuque
Analysis of Costs for Service Call
Service Worker: Full Time Service Worker: Part Time
Hourly Rate
5% Longevity
Total Hourly Rate:
IPERS 6.95%
FICA/ME 7.65%
Health
$ 22.16
1.11
23.27
1.62
1.78
4.19
Total: $ 30.86
Hourly Rate $ 19.01
Total Hourly Rate:
IPERS 6.95%
FICA/ME 7.65%
Health
Utility Billing Staff:
Hourly Rate $
19.01 Total Hourly Rate:
1.32
1.45
Total: $ 21.79
Average Service Worker Total: $ 26.32
Estimated Vehicle Expense:
5 miles (roundtrip) 5
x $ 2.50
$ 12.50
IPERS 6.95%
FICA/ME 7.65%
Health
19.51 (create work orders, record fees,
changed meter in computer system
19.51 and send letter to customer)
1.36
1.49
4.19
Total: $ 26.55
Miles
per mile (fuel, vehicle repair & maintenance,
insurance, depreciation)
RECAP:
Average 1 Hour Service Worker
Average 1/2 Hour Utility Billing Staff
Vehicle Expense
Other expenses (postage & supplies)
$ 26.32
13.27
12.50
1.00
Total Estimated Cost per Service Call $ 52.09
3/1/2012
F \123DATA \Utility \ Lisa \ Budget \Service fee
Recap of Other Cities Fees
Normal Hours After Hours
$ - $
32
City of Dubuque
Cedar Rapids
West Des Moines
Council Bluffs
Iowa City
Des Moines
Ames
40
30 -45
35
*
64 plus cost of meter
60 plus cost of meter
N/A * **
70 plus cost of meter
N/A
70 N/A plus cost of meter
(depreciation scale)
*Damaged or lost meter will be replaced by Des Moines Water Works and charged
to the owner at current market value, plus necessary labor for repairs or replacement
*** $30 1st offense, $45 2nd offense within the same season
ATTACHMENT 2
13 -1C -3: CONSTRUCTION USE:
A. Application For Temporary Water Service; Deposit: When a temporary water service is desired for
construction work, application shall be made to the city manager. A deposit equal to the actual
cost of the meter and fittings shall be paid in advance. The applicant shall guarantee payment of
such water service charges and return said meter in good condition.
B. Installation Of Meter: The applicant shall thereupon install a suitable meter, furnished by the city,
and shall pay for all water furnished in accordance with the then prevailing water rates including
minimum monthly charges.
C. Payment Of Charge When Installation Of Meter Impractical: If it is the opinion of the city manager
that placement of a meter is impractical, then the deposit for meter and fittings shall not be
required, but a charge, as determined by the city manager, after official publication, shall be
made, but under no circumstances shall water be used for sprinkling lawns, wetting down yards
or compacting of soil unless a meter has been installed on the service, or arrangements have
been made for such usage.
D. Water Rate For Various Other Purposes: The rate for water charged for other purposes not
mentioned herein, such as for circuses, carnivals, fairs, skating rinks, swimming pools, tank
wagons and filling cisterns will be made by the city manager when application is made for the
same at the water office. (2007 Code § 44 -203)