07-26-2021 Agenda Packet FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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BILL NO. ------ ORDINANCE NO. ___ _ Filed in Clerk's Office r-·--I JUN O 9 2021 DAWN M. JONES CITY CL.SAK, soutH E3eNO, IN AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE WITHIN CHAPTER 16 AT ARTICLES 1 AND 2 AND WITHIN CHAPTER 17 AT ARTICLE 2, DIVISION 4; ARTICLE 4, ARTICLE 14, AND ARTICLE 15 TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE ADJUSTMENT TO RA TES FOR SOUTH BEND UTILITY CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY'S FURNISHMENT OF REFUSE, SEWER, WATER, STORM WATER, AND THE LOW-INCOME CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT The purpose of this comprehensive rate adjustment is to provide a multi-year plan that meets the operational and capital needs of South Bend utilities by gradually adjusting rates to generate sufficient cash flow. The increases are based on the recommendations of a comprehensive utility long-term rate plan commissioned by the City. The amendments to various sections of Chapter 16, Articles 1 and 2 of the South Bend Municipal Code are meant to offer clarity regarding the City's Solid Waste operations as well as offer a new rate structure for all customers. Several new definitions have been added to Chapter 16, Article 1. Other Sections of Chapter 16 have been amended consistent with changes to the definition Section and to clarify how refuse is to be handled by residential occupants for pick-up by the City. In Chapter 17, Articles 2 & 4, rates for water and sewer services are increased per the recommendations of the comprehensive rate study. The changes to the water rates will be subject to approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission ("IURC"). In Chapter 17, Article 14, the stormwater utility will transition to a hybrid system with residential customers being charged a flat fee while non-residential customers will have a multi tiered impervious area-based rate. This will better align costs with customers generating larger amounts of runoff In Chapter 17, Article 15, the Low-Income Customer Assistance Program surcharge will be increasing by 50% to provide larger discounts to qualified customers. This ordinance is necessary for the effective, efficient operation of the City's refuse, sewer, water, and storm water utilities. A comprehensive adjustment of the rates provides customers with better understanding of the totality of services that comprise their utility bills and the integration of all services. This ordinance is in the best interest of the City and its citizens. 1 101-21