Ordinance 1834-91 - Laserfiche WebLink

1992 SEWER RATE INCREASE NARRATIVE Utilities Division of Public Works recommends a three - step increase in sewer rates for 1992, 1993, and 1994. The increase in sewer rates is necessary to generate adequate revenues for operating and maintaining the expanded Water Pollution Control Facility and to help finance combined sewer overflow abatement projects and residual solids utilization, in addition to on-going capital replacement projects. Utilities proposes increasing the monthly sewer and drainage charge for single family residential customers from the existing $14.50 per month to $16.50 in 1992, $17.50 in 1993 and $18.50 in 1994. For all other customers, the same rate would apply per 900 cubic feet of metered water consumption. Utilities estimates that the proposed sewer rate increase will generate $900,000 in additional revenue in 1992, $1 .3 million in 1993, and $1 .8 million in 1994 from City customers plus an additional $80,000 in 1992, $125,000 in 1993, and $160,000 in 1994 from outlying districts. RATE HISTORY The City of Everett first assessed a sewer charge to its citizens in 1958. The original charge was $2 per month and paid for the sewage lagoons and an interceptor. Since 1958 there have been six rate increases, the most recent being in 1988, which increased the charge for surface water management by $2.20 per month. The total sewer and drainage rate currently is $14.50 per month (single-family residential) or $14.50 per 900 cubic feet of metered water consumption. DRAINAGE/SURFACE WATER PROGRAM Prior to the mid '70's, the Street Department maintained the City's drainage system as part of road maintenance. In 1976, Utilities took over drainage and combined it with the Sewer Department. In 1979, City Council acknowledged that approximately $1 per month of citizens' sewer bills was dedicated to the purpose of drainage/surface water management. In 1988, City Council approved a $2.20 per month increase in the surface water management charge for sampling, community involvement, and capital improvements. Utilities is planning an aggressive program to deal with expanding NPDES requirements for surface water outfalls which will lead to increased enforcement and inspection of proper waste storage, handling, and disposal. Utilities will continue its work on detention ponds with plans for a regional pond at 80th and Hardeson Road and a City - County joint project at 124th and Interstate 5. Since 1988 Utilities has completed the Pigeon Creek Detention Pond, the Powdermill Gulch Wetlands Construction Project, the Silver Lake Storm Water Control Pond, the Pigeon Creek Fisheries Enhancement Project, the detention vault at 47th and Grand, and has purchased the property for the Page 1