(A) Definitions: As used in this Section:
ADJUSTMENT: Based on the facts and circumstances, applies to situations when the reason for the unusually high water bill in question is in fact or most likely not due to an error or faulty equipment on the part of the City, but from some other anomaly, such as broken water line(s) or other leak(s); the water having flowed through the meter. Adjustment and waiver of the associated penalty may be made only once per user, per year. Such year will be measured from the date of the last adjustment or waiver. No adjustment under this Section is applicable unless the water bill in question exceeds one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the estimated water used calculated pursuant to Section 6-4-170 of this Chapter as though the aforementioned anomaly had not occurred. Any adjustment granted pursuant to this Section shall not exceed the sum calculated by subtracting one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the estimated water used from the water bill in question. Should such sum be less than zero, no adjustment is applicable under this Section.
CORRECTION: Based on the facts and circumstances, applies to situations when the reason for the unusually high water bill(s) in question is in fact or most likely due to an error or faulty equipment on the part of the City. Corrections and waivers of the associated penalty may be made as often as necessary, based on facts and circumstances. The estimate of water used shall be calculated pursuant to Section 6-4-170 of this Chapter.
(B) Administrative Review: For good cause shown, demonstrating circumstances, any water user seeking correction or adjustment or waiver of penalty for any water bill shall submit a written application to the City Treasurer detailing the consideration sought. The application shall set forth in sufficient detail the facts and circumstances alleged to support the particular correction, adjustment or waiver sought. The Treasurer shall review the application and, if complete, may correct or adjust water bill(s), and/or may waive the associated penalty as provided in Section 6-4-210 of this Chapter, at his/her discretion. In the absence of the City Treasurer, the City Manager may act in the same manner.
(C) Appeal Process: Nothing in this Section is intended to prevent any water user who receives an adverse administrative decision from having the application as provided for herein from being appealed in writing to the Mayor and Council. Such appeal must be filed with the City Treasurer or the City Manager within seven (7) days of said administrative decision. The appeal will then be scheduled at a regular Council meeting. The Treasurer or City Manager shall review the application and, if complete, submit same with a recommendation to the Mayor and Council for their consideration. If incomplete, the applicant shall be so advised and given the opportunity to resubmit. (Ord. 727, 9-24-1998)