(A) Rates for service shall be approved by resolution. The rates to be charged to all persons, firms or corporations by each franchisee shall be reasonable and uniform, taking into consideration the service rendered, the franchisee’s costs to provide service, a reasonable rate of return to the franchisee, and other factors described herein and otherwise deemed by the Council to be relevant.
(B) The maximum rates for various classifications of service that the franchisee can charge customers shall be established, and may be amended from time to time, by Council resolution, following a public hearing for all such rate adjustment requests.
(C) In determining whether a change in rates is appropriate, the Council shall consider the following and any other pertinent factors:
(1) Substantial fulfillment of all material requirements of the franchise by the franchisee;
(2) Quality of service with the number an type of service complaints, and responses to these complaints serving as an indicator of quality of service;
(3) Prevailing rates for comparable services in Washington County and in other comparable cities;
(4) Franchisee operating margin, financial investment and equity, as compared to businesses of equivalent risk. The franchisee, upon request from the Council, shall provide all information necessary to determine accurately revenues and costs of services.
(5) Performance of franchisee in increasing the efficiency of service.
(6) Net cost of providing recycling services, including educational and promotional costs for such service.
(Ord. 2007-11-02, passed 11-13-2007; Ord. 2010-04-01, passed 5-13-2010; Am. Ord. 2012-11-01, passed 11-13-2012; Am. Ord. 2023-10-01, passed 10-12-2023)