The Regional Water Commission may submit a proposed water rate adjustment to the Clerk of Council. Upon receipt of the proposed water rate adjustment from the Regional Water Commission, the Clerk of Council shall incorporate the proposed water rate adjustment into an ordinance that adjusts existing rates. That ordinance shall be placed on the Council's next agenda. Unless three-fourths of the Council votes to reject the ordinance within forty-five (45) days after it is placed on the agenda, the ordinance will be deemed to have passed.
The Toledo Regional Water Commission also shall review the Capital Improvement Budget of the City's water utility and may submit any amendments it deems necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the water utility to the Clerk of Council. So long as the cost of any proposed capital expenditures are supported by the existing and projected water rates of the City, the Clerk of Council shall incorporate an amendment to the Capital Improvement Budget into an ordinance to be placed on the Council's next agenda. Unless three-fourths of the Council votes to reject the ordinance within forty-five (45) days after it is placed on the agenda, the ordinance will be deemed to have passed.
Any ordinance passed pursuant to this Section shall be subject to referendum on petition as provided by Section 81 of this Charter. Any ordinance that is deemed to have been passed pursuant to the Section shall not be subject to veto by the Mayor.
Nothing in this Section shall limit the authority of Council to enact legislation addressing utility rates to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the utility, including the impact of discounted rates offered to seniors, lead-line replacement, programs to assist low-income customers, and to provide for necessary maintenance and improvements, or as may be required to ensure compliance with debt repayment obligations of the water system and related covenants to lenders and trustees for the benefit of bondholders.
(Added by electors 11-6-18)