The Public Utilities Department shall propose to the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors rates, charges or fares for the furnishing of service by any utility under its jurisdiction. The Public Utilities Department shall have power to collect by appropriate means all amounts due for said service, and to discontinue service to delinquent consumers and to settle and adjust claims arising out of the operation of any said utilities.
Rates may be fixed at varying scales for different classes of service or consumers. The Department may provide for the rendition of utility service outside the limits of the City and County and the rates to be charged therefor which may include proportionate compensation for interest during the construction of the utility rendering such service.
Before proposing any schedule of rates or fares, the Commission shall publish in the official newspaper of the City and County for five days notice of its intention so to do and shall fix a time for a public hearing or hearings thereon, which shall be not less than 10 days after the last publication of said notice, and at which any resident may present his or her objection to or views on the proposed schedule of rates, fares or charges.
Rates for each utility shall be proposed so that the revenue therefrom shall be sufficient to pay, for at least the succeeding fiscal year, all expenses of every kind and nature incident to the operation and maintenance of said utility, together with the interest and sinking fund for any bonds issued for the acquisition, construction or extension of said utility.
(Added by Ord. 352-96, App. 9/11/96)