11-12-315 Inflation adjustment for water rates.

   With regard to the rates set forth in the tables contained in Sections 11-12-270, 11-12-280, 11-12-290 and 11-12-310, beginning June 1, 2016, and every year thereafter, the annual rates shall be adjusted upwards, if applicable, by applying to the previous year's rates the rate of inflation, calculated based on the Consumer Price Index – Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (Chicago All Items) published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the 365-day period ending on the most recent January 1. Any such annual increase, however, shall be capped at 105% of the previous year's rate.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 14596, Art. III, § 1)

11-12-320 Faulty meters.

   City water supplied for other than fire purposes through service pipes controlled by water meter shall be charged and paid for on the basis of the amount registered by such meter, except in cases where it shall be found that such meter is registering incorrectly, or has stopped registering.

   In such cases, charge and payment shall be made on an estimate prepared by the comptroller based on the average of 12 preceding readings of such meter, excluding excessive or deficient readings.

   Where such meter has been installed for a lesser period than one year, or where less than 12 competent readings exist, such estimate may be based on a lesser number than 12 readings taken preceding or subsequent to such incorrect or stopped registration. Changed condition of occupancy or use, making for greater or less consumption during such period of incorrect or stopped registration, shall be taken into consideration in the preparation of such estimate.

(Prior code § 185-32; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 1.12; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. XII, § 3)

ARTICLE V. ASSESSING AND COLLECTING CHARGES (11-12-330 et seq.)

11-12-330 Liability for charges.

   The owner of a property, location or address where water or water service is supplied shall be responsible for payment for any water or water service supplied. Upon a determination that any owner did not timely pay his water or sewer charges, the comptroller may institute collection action with the department of administrative hearings by forwarding a copy of a notice of violation or a notice of hearing, which has been properly served, to the department of administrative hearings. The billing statement, notice of a water service charge or notice of delinquent payment of a water service charge shall be prima facie evidence that the owner identified in the statement or notice shall be liable for such charge and any delinquent payment fee.

(Prior code § 185-33; Amend Coun. J. 3-28-01, p. 55444, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 5-2-01, p. 57409, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 1.12; Amend Coun. J. 12-2-09, p. 78837, Art. 5, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. XII, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12062, Art. IX, § 3)

11-12-340 Reserved.

Editor's note – Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. IV, § 4, reaffirmed the repeal of § 11-12-340, which pertained to metered service – billing. For the original repeal, see Coun. J. 12-2-09, p. 78837, Art. 5, § 5.