A. Connection Fees: The city may impose a connection fee, based on: 1) the square footage of the property to be charged, adjusted for a reasonable calculation of stormwater runoff, 2) a reasonable classification of the types of premises to which service is furnished, 3) by reference to the quantity, pollution qualities, and difficulty of disposal of stormwater runoff produced, or 4) any other equitable basis, including any combination of the basis described in items 1) through 3) of this subsection, but excluding any reference to the amount of water consumed. The connection fee must be a fair and equitable share of the amount reasonably calculated to pay total projected capital costs of the stormwater system, including the cost of debt service and related financing costs in connection with obligations issued by the city to finance such improvements, depreciation, a reasonable reserve for capital replacement, and the costs of obtaining and complying with permits required by law. In determining the connection fee, the city may give consideration to all costs of establishing the system, and of improvements, enlargements and extensions necessary to serve adequately the area. The connection fee, including timing and manner of payment, shall be specified in subsection 3-4-2-2(E) of this code, as amended from time to time.
B. Operation Charges: The city may impose an operation charge on all owners and users of the stormwater system in the city, based on: 1) the square footage of the property to be charged, adjusted for a reasonable calculation of stormwater runoff, 2) a reasonable classification of the types of premises to which service is furnished, 3) by reference to the quantity, pollution qualities, and difficulty of disposal of stormwater runoff produced, or 4) any other equitable basis, including any combination of the basis described in items 1) through 3) of this subsection, but excluding any reference to the amount of water consumed. The operation charge must be a fair and equitable share of the amount reasonably calculated to pay total operation and maintenance costs of the stormwater system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the operation charge will consist of a minimum charge imposed on all property and users in the city, an additional charge for property within the northwest area, and an additional charge for property in the balance of the city, recognizing the differential in operation and maintenance costs in those two (2) portions of the city. The connection fees for the northwest area and the balance of the city, including timing and manner of payment, shall be specified in section 3-4-2-2 of this code, as amended from time to time.
C. Supplying Information: The owner, occupant or person in charge of any premises must supply the city with such information as the city may reasonably request related to the use, development and area of the premises and the imposition of any connection fee or operation charge. Wilful failure to provide such information or to falsify it is a violation of this subsection.
D. Estimated Fees: If the owner, occupant or person in charge of any premises fails or refuses to provide the information requested, as provided in subsection C of this section, the fee for such premises must be estimated and billed in accordance with such estimate, based upon information then available to the city.
E. Payment And Collection: All connection fees and operation charges imposed under this section are charges against the respective owner, lessees and occupants, and are due on the due date specified by the city for the respective account, and shall be delinquent thirty (30) days thereafter. In the event a bill becomes delinquent, the city council may cause the delinquent charges to become a lien against the property served by certifying to the county auditor the amount of such delinquent bill in accordance with the utility act. (Ord. 1155, 6-11-2007; amd. Ord. 1440, 12-12-2022)