10.10.070 Sewer rates.
There is levied and imposed upon all owners of property just and equitable use charges and rates necessary to acquire, own, construct, equip, operate and maintain within or without the City limits, a wastewater treatment plant or plants, sanitary sewers, equipment and appurtenances necessary, useful or convenient for a complete sewerage and treatment system. Owners of residential property shall be liable for sewer use charges 120 days after the issuance of a building or set-up permit or when occupied, whichever comes first, or in the case of commercial buildings and multifamily units when a temporary or permanent occupancy permit is issued by the Linn County Building Department.
(1) Setting Rates by Council Resolution. Sewer use charges shall be established by Council resolution. The City shall not enter into agreements with any parties which are inconsistent with the requirements of Section 204(b)(1)(4) of the Clean Water Act (Public Law 95-217).
(2) Rate Adjustment. The City Manager shall recommend adjustments in the sewer use charges to the City Council as they become necessary. The City Council shall consider such recommendations and may approve or further adjust the sewer use charges at its discretion.
(3) Method of Adjustment. The City Council shall set, by resolution, the method to be used by the City Manager to determine the percentage of change in sewer use charges. As a minimum, the method selected shall include the change in labor costs including payroll, overhead and fringe benefits, changes in the cost of materials and services, and changes in debt service requirements. Such adjustments may also include funds to be set aside for future use.
(4) Excess Charges and Fees. If costs are incurred beyond normal operation through involvement with noncomplying users, the City may charge the noncomplying user for monitoring, laboratory analysis, inspections, and surveillance as required by Federal pretreatment requirements and this chapter. (Ord. 156, passed 8-13-2019)