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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Barb Tolbert
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Mayor Barb Tolbert – Kristin
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Debora Nelson
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
WORKSHOP ITEMS – NO FINAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN
1.Updates to Arlington Municipal Code (AMC) 13.12 regarding ATTACHMENT A
utility rate adjustments for multi‐family and commercial accounts
Staff Presentation: Jim Kelly
Council Liaison: Mayor Pro Tem Debora Nelson
2.Approval of Lodging Tax distributions for 2018 ATTACHMENT B
Staff Presentation: Kristin Garcia
Council Liaison: Mayor Pro Tem Debora Nelson
3.October 2017 Financial Report ATTACHMENT C
Staff Presentation: Kristin Garcia
4.Miscellaneous council items
PUBLIC COMMENT
For members of the public who wish to speak to the Council. Please limit your remarks to three minutes.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
RECONVENE
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Barb Tolbert
Arlington City Council Workshop
Monday, November 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm
City Council Chambers – 110 E 3rd Street
City of Arlington
Council Agenda Bill
Item:
WS #1
Attachment
A
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
November 27, 2017
SUBJECT:
Proposed Changes to Water and Sewer Billing
Water and Sewer Utility Rate Adjustments to achieve billing equity
ATTACHMENTS:
DRAFT Amendments to AMC 13.12 and Proposed Changes memo
DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN
Public Works ‐ Utilities
EXPENDITURES REQUESTED: None
BUDGET CATEGORY: N/A
BUDGETED AMOUNT:
LEGAL REVIEW:
DESCRIPTION:
Proposed utility rate structure change and amendments to AMC 13.12
HISTORY:
Public Works conducted a utility billing analysis in 2015‐2016 to determine the cost of service to provide
water and wastewater services to three classes of customers: 1) single family residential (SFR), 2) multi‐
family residential (MFR), and 3) commercial entities (COM). The goal of the analysis was to assure equity to
all of Arlington’s utility customers. Based on the analysis, we are proposing to
1.Maintain the current 2017 rates for 2018 for all customer classes.
2.Modify the water and sewer billing structure for multi‐family residential services.
The proposed MFR water billing modification will charge for all metered water consumption and
eliminate the base charge that is currently charged to every apartment unit. The MFR monthly sewer
charge for each apartment unit is adjusted to 77% of the SFR monthly sewer charge.
3.Modify the water and sewer billing structure for commercial services.
The proposed COM water billing modification will charge for all metered water consumption and
eliminate the individual base charge to other leased or sub‐leased units within the commercial building.
The COM monthly sewer rate structure remains unchanged.
There are no proposed changes to the SFR billing structure.
ALTERNATIVES:
- Do not change billing structure
- Remand to staff for additional information
City of Arlington
Council Agenda Bill
Item:
WS #1
Attachment
A
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Workshop; discussion only. At the following council meeting the motion will be: “I move to approve the
proposed ordinance amending utility rates, pending final approval by the City Attorney.
Page 1
Chapter 13.12 - UTILITY RATES[3]
Sections:
Footnotes:
--- (3) ---
For statutory provisions authorizing cities to make charges for connecting to water or sewerage
systems, see RCW 35.92.025. As to the authority of cities to fix rates and charges for the furnishing of
service to those served by its system of sewerage, see RCW 35.67.020 and 35.67.190.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2010-008, §§ 1, 2, adopted May 17, 2010, repealed the former Ch. 13.12, §§
13.12.010—13.12.260, and enacted a new Ch. 13.12 as set out herein. The former Ch. 13.12 pertained
to similar subject matter. For complete derivation see the Code Comparative Table and Disposition List at
the end of this volume.
13.12.010 - Classifications, rates, charges and rules for water service.
The classifications, rates and charges for water service and the rules govern ing such service are fixed
as follows in Sections 13.12.020 through 13.12.070.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.020 - Classifications defined.
(a) Single Family Residential (SFR) Unit. A single-family residential building, or a single-family detached
dwelling unit, that is designed for, permitted for, and occupied exclusively by one family, and includes
manufactured homes and mobile homes , and is served by a single metered water meter. residential
dwelling unit served by its own meter, whether a separate structure or a part of a duplex, triplex or
apartment, including trailer or mobile home park units. Each single family residential unit shall be
charged a minimum of one basic chargeBase Charge based on the meter size, as hereinafter defined,
in Section 13.12.040, based on meter size, plus a rate charge based on the amount of water
consumption. In the case of multiple-family residential units, the basic charge shall be the sum of the
basic charge for the first unit based on actual meter size, plus one basic charge for each additional
residential unit, for the minimum meter size ( 5/8 by ¾ inch).
(b) Multi-Family Residential (MFR) Unit. A multifamily residential unit, also referred to as a multidwelling
unit, is a classification of housing where multiple separate housing units designed and permitted for
residential inhabitants are contained within one building, or several buildings within one complex, and
are served by a single water meter. These structures include duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes,
apartments, townhouse, condominiums, and mobile home parks. Each multifamily residential metered
water service shall be charged a minimum of one Base Charge based on meter size, as hereinafter
defined, plus a charge based on the amount of water consumption.
(b) Commercial Units or Industrial Units. A commercial unit or industrial unit consists of any public or
private premises not defined as a SFRresidential unit or MFR unit, that has a metered water service
and as hereinafter defined:
(1) Premises designed, permitted and occupied by only one business or activity or tenant shall be
deemed a separate commercial unit. Each such commercial unit or industrial unit shall be charged
Page 2
one Base Charge, as hereinafter defined, for based on the meter size, plus a chargerate based
on the amount of water consumption.
(2) In case of multiple-occupancy commercial or industrial facilities served by a single water meter,
the individual/entity to whom the water account is registered shall be charged one the basic
chargeBase Charge shall be for the first unit based on actual meter size, plus a ratecharge based
on amount of water consumption. plus one basic charge for each additional commercial or
industrial billing unit, as defined in AMC 13.04.050(e), for the minimum meter size ( 5/8 by ¾
inch).
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.030 -– Water serviceBasic chargesrate defined.
(a) The basic rate Base Charge shall be the minimum monthly charge for metered water service based
on the water meter size and as schedule based on meter size and the monthly rate schedule based
on consumption (or the sprinkling rate schedule (the what??) based on consumption, if applicable), set
forth in Section 13.12.040.
(b) The Consumption Charge is a charge for all metered water in excess o f the amount of water included
in the Base Charge, if any. The consumption water rate is based on a tiered rate structure as
hereinafter defined in Section 13.12.040.In cases where there is more than one basic rate charged on
water served by one meter, the charges and allocations thereof shall be as follows:
(1) One minimum monthly charge, and fraction thereof, shall be charged for each basic rate, and fraction
thereof, allowable;
(2) With respect to consumption, the amount of water allowed under the minimum rate and the amount of
water allowed under the scheduled rates in excess thereof shall be multiplied by the number, including
fractions, of basic rates charged on said meter;
(3) With respect to meters on which more than one basic rate is charged and where the services are
greater than three-fourths inch, the basic rate shall be computed with respect to higher minimum
applicable to the larger service pipe unless otherwise specified in the classifications defined under
Section 13.12.020.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.040 - Water rates and charges.
Applicable sState and city utility taxes are included in the following rates and charges for water service.
The total monthly water charges for every service shall include athe base Base Ccharge by meter size, and
thea consumption ratecharge, as set forth below.
Beginning on January 15, 20112019, the rates set forth for the year 2010 2018 shall be increased
annually by the October reported percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -
Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city should it
change; provided, however, that no CPI adjustment shall be made for the period from January 15, 2012 to
January 14, 202018; and provided further, however, that notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates
shall not decrease.
(1) Minimum monthly Base Ccharge schedule based upon meter size:
Basice ChargeRate By Meter Size 2010 2018 RATES
5/8 "— 3/4" $32.02 32.15
Formatted: list0
Page 3
(2) Monthly rate schedule charged for water consumption: per one hundred cubic feet based upon
consumption:
Plus Consumption Rate per 100 cubic feet (cf) 20108 RATES
First 300 cubic feet (cf)
$2.94
Note - Included in Base Charge for SFR and
Commercial water services only
Next 700 cfubic feet $2.93 94
Over 1,000 cfubic feet $3.09 10
Over 3,000 cfubic feet $3.09 10
(3) Fair and equitable minimum rates for water consumers having meters larger than four inches shall
be fixed by the city council and written agreements shall be entered with the users setting forth
said rates. The city council may enter into contracts with wa ter users deviating from such rates
where special circumstances dictate; provided that, such rates shall not be discriminatory.
(4) Temporary water service. Temporary water service for construction purposes, circuses, carnivals
or for any other purpose temporary in nature that will not require a permanent service installation
must be obtained through a Fire Hydrant Use Permit as stipulated in AMC 13.04.100(e). Charges
for temporary use of water shall be as follows:
Temporary Water Services Charges
Security Deposit $750.00
Page 4
(A) The security deposit shall be refunded to the customer after the equipment has been
returned and inspected for any damages; customer shall be solely responsible for all
damages. Customers shall be billed on a monthly basis for monthly equipment rental
charges and usage fees from the date of temporary service installation.
(B) The usage rates set forth for temporary water service shall be increased annually by the
October reported percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -
Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban consumers, or other measure commonly used by the
city should it change; provided, however, that no CPI adjustment shall be made for the period
from January 15, 2012 to January 14, 2018, and provided further, however, that
notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2012-004, §§ 1, 2, 2-6-2012; Ord. No. 2013-001,
§§ 1, 2, 1-22-2013; Ord. No. 2014-001, §§ 1, 2, 1-6-2014; Ord. No. 2015-001, §§ 1, 2, 1-20-
2015; Ord. No. 2016-004, §§ 1, 2, 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 2017-001, §§ 1, 2, 1-17-2017)
13.12.050 - Water rate credits.
In the event of elevated charges to a customer resulting from a water leak or other non -intentional and
non-negligent act, the customer may petition the city for a credit to be applied to the account to be
determined by standard procedures set by the authority of the utility, pursuant to AMC 13.04.080.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.060 - Average estimated charges.
When a meter has ceased to register since the preceding reading, due to mechanical breakdown or
when it is impossible to read a meter that is buried in debris, or for any other reason is unreadable, or when
it is necessary during any month to remove such meter either temporar ily or permanently for unforeseen
reasons, or if any other condition exists which would not permit a full monthly measurement of the water
used in any premises during the month, the water department is authorized to average the bills of such
user for previous available months and to charge such average bill monthly during the continued presence
of any of the conditions listed above.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
Page 5
13.12.070 - Bimonthly billing option.
In the event the city council determines it advis able to read any or all water meters bimonthly, the water
department is authorized to estimate bills for such water service on the basis of previous consumption, for
the month for which the meter has not been read, and to correct the charge to actual consu mption on the
following bill.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.100 - Classifications, rates, charges and rules for sewer service.
The rates and charges for sanitary sewerage disposal service for each user or class of user are fixed
as follows in Sections 13.12.110 through 13.12.140.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.110 - Definitions of terms used.
(a) "Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)" means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical
oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedures in five days at twenty degrees
Centigrade, expressed in parts per million by weight.
(b) "Commercial classification." Utility service to a business that is not classified as Residential Service
under Section 13.12.120 or classified as an industrial service under Section 13.12.150.
(c) "Connection fees." A fee paid to the appropriate utility as a condition of being allowed to connect to
the utility system.
(d) "Industrial classification"—Utility service to a business that is not a commercial service under AMC
13.12.140.
(e) "Inside city limits." The area within the Arlington city limits as now or hereafter configured;
(f) "Outside city limits." The area outside the Arlington city limits as now or hereafter configured;
(g) "Residential classification." That classification conforming to a Single Family Residential (SFR) Unit or
a Multi-Family Residential (MFR) Unit as defined in Section 13.10.020.A service to a single-family
residence, duplex, triplex, apartment, trailer or mobile home park, or other residential property.
(h) "Total suspended solid (TSS)" means the amount of solids in sewage that can be trapped by a filter.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.120 - Residential classifications.
Single Family Residential (SFR) Unit shall be as defined in Section 13.10.020.
The residential classification shall include single -family residences, duplexes, triple xes, apartments,
trailer and mobile home parks and other residential properties which are served by their own meter. Each
residential unit shall be charged one base rate ..
Multi-Family Residential (MFR) Unit shall be as defined in Section 13.10.020. The Multi-Family
residential classification shall include a ttached residential dwelling units which share a common water
meter, including duplexes, triplexes, apartments, condominiums, and mobile home parks. Each property
shall be charged the base rate, plus a per unit charge of 77% of the single family rate per residential unit.
Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, 10 pt
Page 6
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.130 - Residential and other sewer rates and charges.
Applicable sState and city utility taxes are included in the following rates and charges for sewer service.
The total monthly sewer charges for every SFR and MFR service shall be a flat fee and not based on
metered water consumption.
The effective dates for the following sewer rates four-year planrates will be based on the city's billing
cycle for use beginning on June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2018. 15th of each year thereafter: Beginning on
January 15, 2019, the rates set forth for the year 2018 shall be increased annually by the October reported
percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban
consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city should it change; provided, however, that
notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
Monthly charge (sewer) 2010 RATE 2011 RATE 2012 RATE 2013 RATE 2014—20172018 RATE
Single Family Residential $57.45 $62.80 $68.15 $70.15 $70.15
Multi-Family Residential $54.00
Beginning on January 15, 20182019, the rates set forth for the year 2017 2018 shall be increased
annually by the October reported percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -
Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city should it
change; provided, however, that notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2013-001, § 3, 1-22-2013; Ord. No. 2014-001, §
3, 1-6-2014; Ord. No. 2015-001, § 3, 1-20-2015; Ord. No. 2016-004, § 3, 2-16-2016; Ord. No.
2017-001, § 3, 1-17-2017)
13.12.140 - Commercial classification and sewer rates and charges.
(a) All sanitary sewerage services users connected to sisting of any public or private premises that are
defined as “Commercial classification” in Section not classified under Section 13.12.110 or classified
as an industrial user under Section 13.12.150 shall be classified as commercial and charged for
sanitary sewer service upon the basis of water consumption. State and city utility taxes are included
in the following rates and charges for sewer service. The effective dates for the following five-year
planrates will be based on the city's billing cycle for use beginning on June 1, 2010 and January 15th
1, 2018.of each year thereafter. Each user shall pay a minimum monthly charge of one base rate plus
a volume rate for all consumption over three hundred cubic feet per month.
Monthly charge (sewer) 2010
RATE
2011
RATE
2012
RATE
2013
RATE
2014—2017
2018 RATE
Base rate (includes 300 cubic feet of water
consumptionper month) $57.45 $62.80 $68.15 $70.15 $70.15
Volume rate (per 100 cubic feet of metered
water consumptionper month) $5.95 $6.50 $7.05 $7.25 $7.25
Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, 10 pt
Page 7
(b) Beginning on January 15, 20182019, and on January 15th each year thereafter the rates set forth for
the year 2017 2018 shall be increased annually by the October reported percentage increase of the
consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban consumers, or other
measure commonly used by the city should it change, provided, however, that notwithstanding any
reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2013-001, § 4, 1-22-2013; Ord. No. 2014-001, §
4, 1-6-2014; Ord. No. 2015-001, § 4, 1-20-2015; Ord. No. 2016-004, § 4, 2-16-2016; Ord. No.
2017-001, § 4, 1-17-2017)
13.12.150 - Industrial user classification and charges.
The rates and charges for industrial users, as defined in Sections 13.08.240, 13.08.250, and [Chapter]
13.36, shall be as follows:
(1) All user charges shall be based upon equitable unit charges established for flow BOD
(biochemical oxygen demand) loading and TSS (total suspended solids) loading, based upon the
average BOD, TSS and other parameter(s) concentrations (as established by the public works
director) monitored for the industrial user and the flow recorded in the monitoring manhole or
water use.
(2) A minimum monthly charge will be established by the city to cover the basic sewer costs and
monitoring of the industrial user's wastewater discharge, and in the event the monthly sewer bill
does not exceed this amount the industrial user shall agree to pay the estimated minimum
monthly charge. This charge shall be reviewed from time to time and adjusted to ensure the
charge is covering the monitoring services and sewer costs provided and must be reviewed every
two years. Initially, the monthly charges s hall be based on the following, unless otherwise
established in the negotiated discharge permit:
(A) For an industrial user with waste strength less than two hundred fifty mg/l, measured as five -
day BOD and TSS, and other parameters within limits establis hed in Sections 13.08.240,
13.08.250, [and Chapter] 13.36, and whose discharge does not require regular monitoring
other than flow, the minimum monthly charge is as set forth below:
Sewer Charges (monthly) 2010 RATE 2011 RATE 2012 RATE 2013 RATE 2014—20172018 RATE
Waste strength <250 mg/l $352.00 $384.00 $417.00 $429.00 $429.00
(B) For an industrial user with waste strength in excess of two hundred fifty mg/l for two months
or more per year, the minimum monthly charge is as set forth below:
Sewer Charges (monthly) 2010 RATE 2011 RATE 2012 RATE 2013 RATE 2014—2017 2018 RATE
Waste strength >250 mg/l $1,406.00 $1,536.00 $1,666.00 $1,715.00 $1,715.00
Formatted Table
Formatted Table
Page 8
(C) Beginning January 15, 20182019, and each January 15th thereafter, the charges set forth
in subsections (1)(A) and (1)(B), shall be increased annually, by the October reported
percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -Tacoma-Bremerton
area for all urban consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city should it change;
provided, however, that notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
(3) Until such time as a sewer user charge analysis can be conducted to establish equitable charges
under a negotiated discharge permit between the city and the industrial u ser, the following shall
be used as the basis for industrial user charges:
(A) Flow based charge per cubic foot of wastewater discharged;
(B) BOD charge per pound of BOD discharged; and
(C) TSS charge per pound of TSS discharged, pursuant to the followi ng table:
Sewer charge (monthly) 2010
RATE
2011
RATE
2012
RATE
2013
RATE
2014—20172018
RATE
Flow-based charge (per cubic
foot) $0.01681 $0.01837 $0.01993 $0.02051 $0.02051
BOD charge (per pound BOD) $0.529 $0.578 $0.627 $0.645 $0.645
TSS charge (per pound TSS) $0.354 $0.386 $0.419 $0.431 $0.431
(D) Beginning January 15, 20182019, and each January 15th thereafter, the charges set forth
in subsection (c), shall be increased annually, by the October reported percentage increase
of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban
consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city should it change; provided,
however, that notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
(4) Flow shall be based upon one hundred percent of the water consumption or rate of flow of
wastewater discharge into the sewer (measured in an industrial user installed flow measurement
and recording equipment installed in control manhole, pursuant to Chapter 13 .36). Strength of
wastewater discharged shall be established based upon twenty -four-hour composite samples
made by the city at the control manhole and tested by the city's wastewater treatment plant
laboratory or state certified testing laboratory. All testing shall be in accordance with the latest
edition of "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater," APHA, AWWA and
WPCF. BOD and TSS, pounds per day, shall be calculated based upon concentration of
composite samples and established flow rates.
(5) Appeal.
(A) If any user believes that a portion of the user's metered flow, larger than ten percent, is not
discharged into the sewer system (when flow measurement is not provided in the control
manhole), the user should make written application t o the public works director for review of
the user's flow of wastewater. If the public works director agrees that charges for the user
should be adjusted, they shall so notify the city council, which may approve such change, or
direct a recomputation of the user's sewer rates.
(B) If the public works director does not agree to the adjustment of user charges, the user may
further appeal to the city council, which may direct further study or take other appropriate
action.
Formatted Table
Page 9
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2013-001, §§ 5—7, 1-22-2013; Ord. No. 2014-
001, § 5, 1-6-2014; Ord. No. 2015-001, § 5, 1-20-2015; Ord. No. 2016-004, § 5, 2-16-2016; Ord.
No. 2017-001, § 5, 1-17-2017)
13.12.160 - Low income senior citizens' rates.
(a) For qualifying senior citizens as defined in this section, the base residential rates and consumption
and volume charges set out in Sections 13.12.040 and 13.12.120 shall be reduced by forty percent;
provided, however, that the CPI increases refe rred to in Sections 13.12.040 and 13.12.120 shall not
be so reduced.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term "qualifying senior citizens" shall mean those ratepayers who are
sixty-one years of age or older, whose household income is thirty thousand dol lars or less. For
purposes of verifying income, ratepayers seeking to qualify under this section shall provide annual
proof of age and income as may be required by the city upon forms retained by the finance director for
that purpose.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2012-017, § 1, 9-4-2012)
13.12.170 - Payments and deposits.
The water and sewer rates and charges set forth in Sections 13.12.010 through 13.12.160 and the
stormwater rates and charges set forth in Sections 13.12.500 through 13.1 2.550 are and shall be
considered rates and charges for the combined utility systems.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.180 - Partial collection of rates.
In the event of partial payment of the total amount of such rates and charges, such paymen t shall be
applied prorata to amounts due under Sections 13.12.010 through 13.12.160 and in Sections 13.12.500
through 13.12.550. All remedies available under this chapter, including termination of water and sewer utility
service, shall be available to the city for the collection of any balance due that has become delinquent.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.190 - Billing of charges.
All charges authorized under this chapter shall be billed to the owner of the premises being served,
provided that upon written authorization by such owner charges may be billed to the tenant. The owner has
complete responsibility for payment of charges even if the tenant is receiving the bill. A fully executed rental
agreement between the owner and the tenant is dee med as acceptable authorization.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.200 - Utility and lien search and special water meter reading requests.
The city of Arlington provides utility and lien searches and special meter readings for the closing totals
for real estate transactions occurring in Arlington. The cost of providing a utility and lien search and special
meter readings shall be paid in advance by those making the request.
Page 10
(1) For each request for service received by the city of Arlington the following listed fee(s) shall be
charged and imposed:
Services Fees
1. Utility and lien search request $30.00
2. Special water meter reading request $50.00
(2) For the purpose of this chapter "special water meter reading" shall be defined as a reading of a
customer's water meter occurring on any day other than the day the city has established as the
property's regular scheduled water meter reading.
(3) Every request received by the city of Arlington, whether by mail, fax or electronically will be either
charged the above fee for an estimated closing amount or the above fee for a special meter
reading and an actual closing amount. The fees will be added to the closing amount given to the
escrow company.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.210 - Due date for charges.
The monthly utility bill for water, sewer, and stormwater service shall be paid immediatel y upon billing
and will be considered delinquent if not paid in full twenty days from the billing date in which the service
was originally charged. A penalty of five percent for each thirty days or fraction thereof shall be assessed
against all delinquencies.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.220 - Failure to receive mail.
Failure to receive mail shall not be recognized as a valid excuse for failure to pay water bills when due.
Change in ownership of property and change in mailing address must be provided to the finance
department. All bills shall be sent to the customer's billing address provided the city.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.230 - Connection charges for customers outside city limits.
In addition to the foregoing rates and charges, the city shall charge at the time of connection for each
service located outside city limits that connects to the water or sewer system the charges set forth in
Sections 13.12.240 and 13.12.250. Additional regulations regarding utility connections outside city limits
are contained in Chapter 13.20.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2015-030, § 1, 12-21-2015)
Page 11
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2015-030, § 1, adopted December 21, 2015, amended § 13.12.230, to
read as set out herein. Previously § 13.12.230 was titled "Connection charges—Surcharge for
customers outside city limits."
13.12.240 - Water connection and meter charges.
(a) Connection Charge. A connection charge is a charge for a share of the city's p otable water system
that a service connection must pay as a condition of being allowed to connect to the city's potable
water system. The proportionate share is based on the fixture counts of water consuming devices at
a service location as determined at the time of connection, or when improvements or additions
increase the fixture counts of water consuming devices. The assessment of fixture counts shall be
established by the building official, or their designee, based on water consuming device fixture coun ts
established by the International Plumbing Code, version consistent with version in use by the city
building department. The water meter size shall be based on the maximum allowable fixture counts
set forth in the below table:
Meter Size Fixture Count Connection Charge
5/8 inch or ¾ inch 0 - 37 $6,868.00
1 inch 37.5 — 89 $17,244.00
1½ inch 89.5 — 286 $34,488.00
2 inch 286.5 — 532 $55,181.00
3 inch 532.5 — 1,300 $110,362.00
4 inch 1,300.5 — 3,600 $172,441.00
6 inch 3,600.5 — 8,200 $344,883.00
Over 6 inches To be established at time of service request
(b) Meter Installation Charge. In addition to the connection charges specified in subsection (a), the city
shall charge for each building or service connected to the water system within the city, a meter
installation charge, as set forth in the below table:
Meter Size Installation Charge
5/8 inch or ¾ inch $720.00
Page 12
(c) Performance of Work. The city may perform all or part of the installation of the service at the sole cost
of the person receiving the water service. In such case, the applicant shall deposit with the finance
director the estimated amount of the cost of installation prior to the work being done.
(d) Time of Payment of Charges—Excess and Deficiencies. All charges imposed under this section,
including connection charges, meter fees, material, labor and overhead costs, shall be paid in
advance. If any advance payment based on an estimate is excessive, the city shall refund the excess
on completion; and if the estimated amount paid is insufficient, the city shall bill such excess to the
person owing the same and such excess shall be forthwith paid to the city.
(e) Additional Charges. An additional charge will be made in all cases for repair of such street paving,
curbs and gutters, and sidewalks as may be damaged by the installation of the water service, based
upon actual cost to the city of materials, equipment , labor and overhead. Upon application, the city will
estimate the amount of the additional charge, and the applicant shall deposit with the finance director
the estimated amount prior to the work being done.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2015-030, § 2, 12-21-2015)
13.12.250 - Sewer connection charges.
Except as otherwise provided herein, the city shall charge a sewer connection charge for each sanitary
sewer service connecting to the city's sewer system. Sewer connection fees shall be bas ed on the size of
the water meter service as established in Section 13.12.240, as determined at the time of connection, or
when improvements or additions increase the fixture counts of water consuming devices. These fees shall
be paid for each building or service to be connected to the sewage system, whether it connects directly to
the sewer line or is combined with two or more services and connected to the sewer line at a single point.
Sewer connection fees are as set forth in the below table:
Water Meter Size Sewer Connection Fee
5/8 or ¾ inch $4,840.00
1 inch $12,099.00
Page 13
(1) Connection charges for industrial users as defined in Section 13.08.060 shall be computed as set
forth in Section 13.12.260.
(2) Side Sewer Installation. All side sewers shall be installed in accordance with Section 13.08.210.
(3) In all cases there shall also be paid a side sewer inspection fee in the amount of one hundred
eighty dollars. Side sewer inspection shall include connection to the sewer main line and
inspection of monitoring manholes.
(4) Field inspection fees for inspection requested other than side sewer permits shall be charged at
the rate of seventy-five dollars per hour with one-hour minimum charge.
(5) All charges imposed under this chapter shall be paid in advance. If any advance payment based
on an estimate is insufficient, then the city shall bill such excess to the person owing the same.
(6) Industrial. Industrial applications require submittal of a written description of the industrial process,
with a floor plan of the plumbing system that defines expected pr oduction levels and water
consumption. Equivalent residential unit determination will be computed from the forecasted
average daily consumption (not discounted for weekends or holidays).
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2015-030, § 3, 12-21-2015)
13.12.260 - Sewer connection charges—Industrial.
For those users which discharge industrial waste as defined in Section 13.08.060(11), the public works
director or his or her designee shall establish a connection fee based on the criteria set forth i n this section.
To the extent possible, the public works director or designee shall utilize historical data in establishing the
connection fee.
(1) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(A) "Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of BOD" means twelve and one-half pounds of
biochemical oxygen demand per month.
(B) "Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of flow" means one thousand cubic feet per month of
flow.
(C) "Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of TSS" means t welve and one-half pounds of total
suspended solids per month.
(2) Industrial applications require submittal of a written description of the industrial process, with a
floor plan of the plumbing system that defines expected production levels and water con sumption.
(3) Equivalent residential unit determination will be computed from the forecasted average daily
consumption (not discounted for weekends or holidays).
Page 14
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2015-030, § 4, 12-21-2015)
13.12.270 - Appeals.
Any property owner of an approved final plat, subdivision, multiple residential dwelling, or commercial,
nonresidential, or industrial property may administratively appeal the sewer or water connection charges
established herein to the city's hearing examiner, which shall review the reasonableness of the connection
fee proposed to be charged, taking into account other mitigation which may have been made to impacts on
the city water and sewer systems.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010)
13.12.500 - Classifications, rates, charges and rules for stormwater service.
The classifications, rates and charges for stormwater service and the rules governing such service are
fixed as follows in Sections 13.12.510 through 13.12.550, and shown in Tables 2 and 3 below.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 1, 12-20-2010)
13.12.510 - Classification of property.
The city engineer shall estimate or measure the impervious area of each parcel of developed real
property within the boundaries of the utility to determine the number of equivalent service units (ESUs), as
defined in Section 13.28.050(m), that are contained therein; six thousand square feet of impervious area
shall equal one ESU. See Table 2.
(1) All single-family residences, duplexes and triplexes are deemed to contain one ESU per dwelling
unit.
(2) For all other developed real properties, including multifamily, condominiums and mobile home
parks, the utility shall determine the number of ESUs contained thereon by dividi ng the number
of square feet of impervious area on each property by six thousand; the total thus obtained will
be rounded to the nearest whole number representing the ESUs contained on such property.
(3) Each developed parcel of property shall be deemed t o contain a minimum of one ESU. Credits
shall not reduce this minimum.
Table 2. Property Classification and ESUs for Stormwater Rate Assessment
Stormwater Property Classification Number of ESUs
Exempt N/A
Undeveloped 0
Residential, SFR 1
Residential, Duplex 2, 1 per dwelling unit
Page 15
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 2, 12-20-2010)
13.12.520 - Charges based on impervious area.
In accordance with the policy established in Section 13.28.090, the service charge shall be determined
by the amount of impervious area contained on each parcel of real property.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 3, 12-20-2010)
13.12.530 - Property exempt from service charges.
The following special categories of property are exempt from service charges:
(1) City street rights-of-way;
(2) State of Washington highway rights-of-way and Snohomish County road rights-of-way so long as
the state of Washington and Snohomish County shall agree to maintain, construct and improve
all drainage facilities contained within such rights -of-way as required by the utility in conformance
with all utility standards for maintenance, construction and improvement hereafter established by
the utility and so far as such maintenance, construction and improvements shall be achieved at
no cost to the utility or to the city.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 4, 12-20-2010)
13.12.540 - Initial service charge rates.
In accordance with the rate structure established herein, there is hereby levied upon all developed real
property within the boundaries of the utility, the following service char ges:
(1) State and city utility taxes are included in the following rates and charges for stormwater service.
See Table 3.
Page 16
(2) Beginning on January 15, 2018, the rates set forth for the year 2017 shall be increased annually
by the October reported percentage increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for the Seattle -
Tacoma-Bremerton area for all urban consumers, or other measure commonly used by the city
should it change; provided, however, that no annual increase shall exceed two percent; and
provided further, that notwithstanding any reduction in the CPI, rates shall not decrease.
Stormwater charges (monthly) 2011 RATE 2012 RATE 2013 RATE 2014—2017 RATE
Base rate per ESU 4.75 5.82 $6.89 $6.89
(3) For all other developed property including multifamily, condominiums and mobile home parks
within the boundaries of the utility, except as specified under Section 13.28.130, the monthly
service charge shall be based on the above table (Table 3) per month m ultiplied by the number
of equivalent service units determined by the utility to be contained in such parcel. For all single -
family property owners qualifying for the senior low-income utility discount established in Section
13.12.140, the discount shall apply to stormwater service charges.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 5, 12-20-2010; Ord. No. 2014-001, §
6, 1-6-2014; Ord. No. 2015-001, § 6, 1-20-2015; Ord. No. 2016-004, § 6, 2-16-2016; Ord. No.
2017-001, § 6, 1-17-2017)
13.12.550 - Credit potential for private, on-site control facilities on non single-family properties and
school facilities.
(a) The utility may grant a credit for private, on-site control facilities that benefit the overall stormwater
system. Details pertaining to eligibility and applying for a credit are detailed in the Stormwater Credit
Manual as defined in Section [13.28.060]. The eligibility of the credit shall be reviewed on an annual
basis to ensure proper maintenance of said private facilities. The adminis trator of the utility shall
determine the forms, requirements and process for determining eligibility.
(b) The utility shall grant public schools additional credit upon receipt of an acceptable curriculum showing
how the district provides education regarding stormwater issues. Each site owned and operated by
the district in support of education shall be eligible for this credit in addition to any site -specific credits
also available for individual sites. Credit requirements shall be as established in the s tormwater credit
manual as defined in Section [13.28.060], The administrator of the utility shall determine the forms,
requirements and process for determining eligibility.
(Ord. No. 2010-008, § 2, 5-17-2010; Ord. No. 2010-027, § 6, 12-20-2010)
Proposed Changes to Water and Sewer Billing
To achieve billing equity
Public Works conducted a utility billing analysis in 2015-2016 to determine the cost of service to provide water
and wastewater to three classes of customers: single family residences, multi-family residences, and
commercial entities. The goal of the analysis was to assure equity to all of Arlington’s utility customers. Based
on the analysis done, we are not proposing changing the utility rates, but we do propose to change our utility
billing for multi-family and commercial to services used. The proposed changes do not affect single-family
residential customers because all of these customers are individually metered, and pay per 100 cubic feet of
water (CCF) used.
Multi-family residential customers are currently charged by total rentable units in the structure, whether or
not those units are occupied. The proposed practice will charge the apartment complex through a single
meter only for water used, and then a fixed sewer charge at 77% of the average single family residence for
each rentable unit. In short, we propose to eliminate the per-unit charge, and bill for water actually used.
Commercial customers are currently charged by the number of water hookups in the building. The same
water charges occur whether a business is a large customer with constant use or a small customer with
occasional use. We propose to eliminate the per-unit charge and instead bill for water actually used.
The Public Works Capital Improvement Fund has about $12 million to fund utility improvements over the next
ten years. The fund is performing above projections, and the City can afford to make these proposed rate
changes to bring rate equity to the other classes of customers. This proposal is not revenue neutral, as
detailed below. However, with a healthy fund balance and new development bringing new customers, this
proposal is financially safe and will make our rate structure match industry standards, and will create equity
across all customer classes.
Summary of changes
City of Arlington
Council Agenda Bill
Item:
WS #2
Attachment
B
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
November 27, 2017
SUBJECT:
2018 Lodging Tax Distribution
ATTACHMENTS:
2018 Lodging Tax Distribution Worksheet
DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN
Finance; Kristin Garcia – Finance Director 360‐403‐3431
EXPENDITURES REQUESTED: $170,000
BUDGET CATEGORY: Lodging Tax
BUDGETED AMOUNT: $170,000
LEGAL REVIEW:
DESCRIPTION:
A total of 21 lodging tax grant applications were received with requests totaling $187,395. The City
funds a maximum of 66% of total project costs and the applicants are required to match at least 33%
of total project costs. $170,000 was the amount budgeted to be awarded in 2018. Distributions were
made as follows;
DABA withdrew their request for funding for the Viking Fest event.
The Genealogical Society received partial funding. Equipment, social activities and
promotional “give away” items were not funded as these were not deemed critical to the
success of the event nor tie directly with tourism promotion.
Applications with a score of 60 or less received 90% funding or until the $170,000 was fully
distributed.
All other applicants were fully funded.
HISTORY:
On August 23, 2017, a training session was held for prospective applicants. The application due date
was October 6, 2017. Applicants were interviewed by the committee on November 1, 2017. The
committee met on November 3, 2017 to review and discuss grant applications.
ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve funding distributions for 2018
Remit back to the lodging tax advisory committee for additional review and discussion
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Workshop; discussion only. At the December 4, 2017 council meeting, the motion will read; “I move
to approve the 2018 funding distribution as recommended by the lodging tax advisory committee”.
City of Arlington
Council Agenda Bill
Item:
WS #3
Attachment
C
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
November 27, 2017
SUBJECT:
October 2017 Financial Report
ATTACHMENTS:
Financial Reports –
Narrative
General Fund Operating Statement
Revenue Charts
Other Fund Operating Statements
DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN
Finance; Kristin Garcia – Finance Director 360‐403‐3431
EXPENDITURES REQUESTED: 0
BUDGET CATEGORY: N/A
BUDGETED AMOUNT: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
DESCRIPTION:
Attached is the October 2017 financial report.
HISTORY:
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Workshop; discussion only.
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2017 October Financial Report – Kristin Garcia, Finance Director
GENERAL FUND
The general fund’s ending fund balance as of October 31, 2017 was $2,691,605. The fund balance
will increase in November when property taxes are received and is expected to decrease again in
December when the bulk of debt payments are made.
The city received $388,029 in sales tax revenue in October and year to date we’re at 92% of budget.
We’re still ahead of last year’s collections by 7% and I expect this trend to continue through the end
of the year.
Through the budget amendment process, we’ve already discussed several other budget items such
as; increases to sales tax revenues, building permit revenues and receipts for the COPS and Wildland
Fire grants. We’ve also discussed unexpected expenditure activity that will be adjusted through the
amendment process which include; credit card fees, overtime, jail costs, police comp time, AMTECH
capital investment, transfers to cemetery for cash flow and leave buyouts for retirements. There
are no other budget items to note for October.
OTHER FUNDS
Cemetery Fund – In October, the cemetery fund required a transfer from the general fund of $7,728
for cash flow purposes.
OTHER ITEMS
Passports
2017 September October November December
Applications
Processed
20 26
Social Services Fund
2017 July August September October November December
Donations
Received
$500 $129 $500 $650
October donations from SPP Service, Washington Bud Co, Nasty Jack’s Candy and Arlington Garden
Club.
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