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SEWER CHARGES
(A) Every person whose premises are served by the Wastewater Utility shall be charged for the services provided. These charges are established for each user class in order that the Wastewater Utility shall recover from each user and user class revenue which is proportional to its use of the treatment works in terms of volume and load. User charges are levied to defray the cost of operation and maintenance, including replacement, of the treatment works. User charges shall be uniform in magnitude within a user class.
(B) User charges are subject to the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Replacement costs, which are recovered through the system of user charges, shall be based on the expected service life of the Wastewater Utility plant and equipment.
(1) Class I, nonindustrial:
(a) Single-family residential;
(b) Multiple-family dwellings (on a single meter);
(c) Commercial;
(d) Governmental;
(e) Institutional; and
(f) Wholesale residential.
(2) Class II, industrial.
(D) Inspection fees. Any entity or individual requesting an inspection and/or testing fee for sanitary sewer mains, manholes, lift stations, laterals, or any other portion of a residential sewage collection system and any facilities associated therewith, shall pay an inspection fee before the inspector’s report and/or release approving said infrastructure shall be issued as follows:
(1) A sum equal to the inspector’s total hourly rate of pay, plus benefits, for all hours devoted to the inspection process, which shall be invoiced to the person or entity requesting the inspection and/or testing services at the end of the process;
(2) In addition, should the inspector be at the job site for more than seven hours in any given day to conduct the inspection and/or testing of the subject infrastructure, the applicant shall pay the inspector’s overtime rate of pay, plus benefits, for all such time devoted on any day in excess of seven hours, which sum shall be invoiced to the applicant requesting the inspection and/or testing at the end of the process;
(3) In addition, the applicant shall pay the inspector’s vehicle charges of $25 per day for all or part of any day the inspector devotes to inspection and/or testing of the subject infrastructure, which shall be invoiced at the end of the inspection and/or testing process;
(4) Inspection and/or testing requested to be conducted on a weekend or holiday by the applicant is dependent upon the inspector’s availability as these days are not part of the inspector’s normal work week and all such time devoted by the inspector shall be paid at the end of the inspector’s overtime rate of pay, plus benefits, which shall be invoiced to the applicant at the end of the inspection and/or testing process, except for the provisions of division (D)(5) below; and
(5) Any inspection and/or testing of an individual lateral or for non-testing inspections, which are requested to be done and which are performed on a weekend other than those inspections and/or testings set forth in division (D)(4) above, shall be invoiced to the applicant and paid by the applicant in the amount of $100 for each trip necessary to the site.
(E) When deemed necessary by the Wastewater Utility Manager or foreperson, a designee of the Wastewater Utility must be on-site as an “installation inspector” to assure city standards are upheld by the contractor.
(1) The “installation inspector” shall remain on-site until the Wastewater Utility Manager and Foreperson deems the contractor to be aware of, able, and committed to following the guidelines set forth in the city approved construction documents.
(Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 2008-38, passed 12-10-2008; Ord. 2010-9, passed 6-23-2010; Ord. 2019-25, passed on 5-13-2020)
For the use of and the service rendered by the Wastewater Utility, rates and charges shall be collected from the owners of each and every lot, parcel of real estate, or building that is connected with the city sanitary system or otherwise discharges sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water, or other liquids, either directly or indirectly, into the sanitary sewerage system of the city. Such rates and charges include user charges, debt service costs, excessive strength surcharges, and other service charges, which rates and charges shall be payable as hereinafter provided and shall be in an amount determinable as follows:
(A) The sewage rates and charges shall be based on the quantity of water used on or in the property or premises subject to such rates and charges, as the same is measured by the water meter there in use, plus a base charge based on the size of the water meter installed, except as herein otherwise provided. Water meters will be read once each month, and sewage service bills shall be rendered once each month (or period equaling a month). The water usage schedule on which the amount of said rates and charges shall be determined shall be as follows:
(1) Flow rate:
Rate per 1,000 gallons of metered usage for all user classes inside the corporate limits: | |
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 | $6.25 |
July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 | $6.63 |
July 1, 2025 and thereafter | $7.03 |
Rate per 1,000 gallons of metered usage for all user classes outside the corporate limits: | |
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 | $7.17 |
July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 | $7.60 |
July 1, 2025 and thereafter | $8.06 |
(2) Base rate for all user classes inside the corporate limits are as follows with Phase 1 to be effective from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, Phase 2 to be effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and Phase 3 to be effective from July 1, 2025 and thereafter:
Water Meter Size | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
Water Meter Size | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
5/8 inch meter | $32.87 | $34.84 | $36.93 |
3/4 inch meter | $32.87 | $34.84 | $36.93 |
1 inch meter | $74.40 | $78.86 | $80.59 |
1 1/4 inch meter | $115.76 | $122.71 | $130.07 |
1 1/2 inch meter | $165.31 | $175.23 | $185.74 |
2 inch meter | $281.24 | $298.11 | $316.00 |
3 inch meter | $639.91 | $678.30 | $719.00 |
4 inch meter | $1,108.76 | $1,175.29 | $1,245.81 |
6 inch meter | $2,515.76 | $2,666.71 | $2,826.71 |
Industrial Strength Surcharge Rates | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
BOD - per pound in excess of 250 mg/L | $0.32 | $0.34 | $0.36 |
SS - per pound in excess of 250 mg/L | $0.32 | $0.34 | $0.36 |
NH3 - per pound in excess of 20 mg/L | $0.69 | $0.73 | $0.77 |
P - per pound in excess of 10 mg/L | $1.59 | $1.69 | $1.79 |
Base rate for all user classes outside the corporate limits are as follows with Phase 1 to be effective from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, Phase 2 to be effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and Phase 3 to be effective from July 1, 2025 and thereafter: | |||
5/8 inch meter | $37.63 | $39.89 | $42.28 |
3/4 inch meter | $37.63 | $39.89 | $42.28 |
1 inch meter | $85.19 | $90.30 | $95.72 |
1 1/4 inch meter | $132.54 | $140.49 | $148.92 |
1 1/2 inch meter | $189.27 | $200.63 | $212.67 |
2 inch meter | $322.02 | $341.34 | $361.82 |
3 inch meter | $732.70 | $776.66 | $823.26 |
4 inch meter | $1,269.53 | $1,345.70 | $1,426.44 |
6 inch meter | $2,880.55 | $3,053.38 | $3,236.58 |
Industrial Strength Surcharge Rates | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
BOD - per pound in excess of 250 mg/L | $0.36 | $0.38 | $0.40 |
SS - per pound in excess of 250 mg/L | $0.36 | $0.38 | $0.40 |
NH3 - per pound in excess of 20 mg/L | $0.78 | $0.83 | $0.88 |
P - per pound in excess of 10 mg/L | $1.82 | $1.93 | $2.05 |
(B) For the service rendered to the city, the city shall be subject to the same rates and charges hereinabove provided.
(C) There shall be a charge of $15 per sample for each industrial sample taken by the city. The charge shall be revised on the same basis as all other rates and charges and shall reflect the actual cost incurred by the city. The results of the sampling shall be the basis for excessive strength surcharges and industrial cost recovery charges as required by PL 92-500, being 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq., and subsequent amendments and revisions.
(D) The Board is authorized to enter into special rate contracts with customers of the Wastewater Utility where clearly definable reductions in cost to the Wastewater Utility can be determined, and such reduction shall be limited to such reduced costs. Such proposed contracts shall be subject to the approval of the Common Council.
(Prior Code, § 33.20) (Ord. 1965-2, passed 2-3-1965; Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 1979-12, passed 7-13-1979; Ord. 1985-18, passed 7-25-1985; Ord. 1988-4, passed 4-14-1988; Ord. 1994-13, passed 10-27-1994; Ord. 2001-7, passed 4-12-2001; Ord. 2008-26, passed 9-24-2008; Ord. 2013-11, passed 10-23-2013; Ord. 2020-17, passed 4-22-2020; Ord. 2019-25, passed on 5-13-2020; Ord. 2020-33, passed 10-28-2020; Ord. 2022-26, passed 8-31-2022)
(A) The quantity of water discharged into the sanitary sewerage system and obtained from sources other than the Wastewater Utility shall be determined by the city in such manner as the city shall reasonably elect, and the sewage service shall be billed at the above appropriate rates. Further, as is hereinafter provided in this section, the city may make proper allowance in determining the sewage bill for quantities of water shown on the records to be consumed, but which are also shown to the satisfaction of the city that such quantities do not enter the sanitary sewage system.
(B) In the event a lot, parcel of real estate, or building discharging sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water, or other liquids into the city sanitary sewage system, either directly or indirectly, is not a user of water supplied by the water utility serving the city, and the water used thereon or therein is not measured by a water meter, or is measured by a water meter not acceptable to the city, then the amount of water used shall be otherwise measured or determined by the city. In order to ascertain the rate or charge provided in this chapter, the owner or other interested party shall, at his or her expense, install and maintain meters, weirs, volumetric measuring devices, or any adequate and approved method of measurement acceptable to the city for the determination of sewage discharge. If there is no meter or any adequate and approved method of measurement for residential lots or residential parcels of real estate, then the service charge for such sewage service shall be $30 per month. For all other unmetered users, the rate shall be determined by the city on an individual basis by applying the above rates to estimated usage.
(C) In the event a lot, parcel of real estate, or building discharging sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water, or other liquids into the city’s sanitary sewerage system, either directly or indirectly, is a user of water supplied by the water utility serving the city and, in addition, is a user of water from another source which is not measured by a water meter or is measured by a meter not acceptable to the city, then the amount of water used shall be otherwise measured or determined by the city. In order to ascertain the rates or charges, the owner or other interested parties shall, at his, her, or their expense, install and maintain meters, weirs, volumetric measuring devices, or any adequate and approved method of measurement acceptable to the city for the determination of sewage discharge.
(D) During the months of July, August, and September, all residential customers will be eligible for the summer sewer monthly reduction, hereinafter referred to as “SSMR” automatically if the customers were water utility customers for each month during the immediately preceding March, April, and May usage periods. The SSMR formula will be based upon 125% of the average usage during the March, April, and May usage periods for determination of the related wastewater bill for the July, August, and September billing cycles. It is presumed that any excess water usage is related to watering lawns, flowers, washing cars, and other summer activities where water used does not enter the city’s sanitary sewer system. If actual water usage is less than 125% of the computed average usage during the March, April, and May usage periods, the residential user shall only pay for the actual water used. Simply stated, the SSMR will be the lesser of actual water usage during July, August, and September and the computed 125% of the average usage during the March, April, and May usage periods.
(E) In the event a lot, parcel of real estate, or building discharges sanitary sewage, industrial waste, water, or other liquids into the city’s sanitary sewerage system, either directly or indirectly, and uses water in excess of 50,000 gallons per month, and it can be shown to the satisfaction of the city that a portion of water, as measured by the water meter or meters, does not and cannot enter the sanitary sewage system, then the owner or other interested party shall install and maintain meters, weirs, volumetric measuring devices, or any adequate and approved method of measurement acceptable to the city for the determination of sewage discharge.
(Prior Code, § 33.21) (Ord. 1965-2, passed 2-3-1965; Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 1985-18, passed 7-25-1985; Ord. 1988-4, passed 4-14-1988; Ord. 1994-13, passed 10-27-1994; Ord. 2001-7, passed 4-12-2001; Ord. 2010-9, passed 6-23-2010; Ord. 2019-25, passed on 5-13-2020)
(A) In order that the rates and charges may be justly and equitably adjusted to the service rendered to industrial users, the city shall base its charges not only on the volume, but also on strength and character of the stronger-than-normal domestic sewage and wastes which it is required to treat and dispose of. The city shall require the industrial user to determine the strength and content of all sewage and wastes discharged, either directly or indirectly, into the sanitary sewage system in such manner and by such method as the city may deem practicable in light of the conditions and attending circumstances of the case, in order to determine the proper charge. The industrial user shall furnish a central sampling point available to the city at all times.
(B) Normal sewage domestic waste strength should not exceed a B.O.D. of 204 milligrams per liter of fluid, suspended solids in excess of 240 milligrams per liter of fluid, or ammonia nitrogen (NH3) in excess of 30 milligrams per liter of fluid. Additional charges for treating stronger-than-normal domestic waste shall be made on the following basis:
(1) Rate surcharge based on suspended solids. There shall be an additional charge of $0.30 per pound for suspended solids in excess of 240 milligrams per liter of fluid.
(2) Rate surcharge based on B.O.D. There shall be an additional charge of $0.30 per pound of B.O.D. for B.O.D. received in excess of 204 milligrams per liter of fluid.
(3) Rate surcharge based of NH3. There shall be an additional charge of $0.65 per pound of NH3 in excess of 30 milligrams per liter of fluid.
(C) The determination of suspended solids and five-day B.O.D. contained in the waste shall be in accordance with the latest copy of “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water, Sewage and Industrial Wastes,” as written by the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association, the Water Pollution Control Federation, and in conformance with “Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for Analysis of Pollutants”, regulation C.F.R. part 136, the Federal Register on October 16, 1973.
(Prior Code, § 33.22) (Ord. 1965-2, passed 2-3-1965; Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 1985-18, passed 7-25-1985; Ord. 2001-7, passed 4-12-2001; Ord. 2013-11, passed 10-23-2013)
(A) Such rates and charges shall be prepared, billed, and collected by the city in the manner provided by law and ordinance.
(B) The rates and charges for all users shall be prepared and billed monthly.
(C) The rates and charges may be billed to the tenant or tenants occupying the properties served, unless otherwise requested in writing by the owner, but such billing shall in no way relieve the owner from the liability in the event payment is not made as herein required. The owners of properties served, which are occupied by a tenant or tenants, shall have the right to examine the collection records of the city for the purpose of determining whether bills have been paid by such tenant or tenants, provided that such examination shall be made at the office at which said records are kept and during the hours that such office is open for business.
(D) As is provided by statute, all rates and charges not paid when due are declared to be delinquent, and a penalty of 10% of the rates or charges shall thereupon attach thereto. The time at which such rates or charges shall be paid is now fixed at 15 days after the date of mailing of the bill.
(E) (1) In order that the rates and charges for sewage services may remain fair and equitable and be in proportion to the cost of providing services to the various users of user classes, the city shall cause a study to be made within a reasonable period of time following the first 12 months of operation after the date which this section goes into effect. Such study shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the costs associated with the treatment of excessive strength effluents from industrial users or user classes, the financial position of the Wastewater Utility, and the adequacy of its revenue to provide reasonable funds for operation and maintenance, replacements, debt service requirements, and capital improvements to the waste treatment systems.
(2) Thereafter, on an annual basis, within a reasonable period of time following the normal accounting period, the city shall cause a similar study to be made for the purpose of reviewing the fairness and equity of the rates and charges for sewage services on a continuing basis. Said studies shall be conducted by officers or employees of the city, by a firm of certified public accountants, or a firm of consulting engineers, which firms shall have experience in such studies, or by such combination of officers, employees, certified public accountants, or engineers as the city shall determine to be best under the circumstances.
(Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 2019-25, passed on 5-13-2020)
(A) The city shall make and enforce such bylaws and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the safe, economical, and efficient management of the wastewater treatment plant and wastewater treatment system; for the construction and use of house sewers and connections of the sewerage system; and for the regulation, collection, rebating, and refunding of such rates and charges.
(B) The city is authorized to prohibit dumping of wastes into the city’s sewage system which, in its discretion, are deemed harmful to the operation of the wastewater treatment plan and wastewater treatment system, or to require methods affecting pretreatment of the wastes to comply with the pretreatment standards included in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued to the Wastewater Utility.
(Prior Code, § 33.26) (Ord. 1965-2, passed 2-3-1965; Ord. 1977-20, passed 11-10-1977; Ord. 2019-25, passed on 5-13-2020)
INDUSTRIAL COST RECOVERY
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