CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to drainage services of Seattle Public Utilities; amending Sections 21.33.010, 21.33.030, and 21.33.040, and subsection 21.76.040.A of the Seattle Municipal Code to update definitions; adjust drainage rates and provide clarification regarding assignment of parcels to rate categories; define additional conditions under which rate credits may be applicable; and revise credits to low-income drainage customers.
body
WHEREAS, Seattle City Council Resolution 31534, passed August 11, 2014, adopted a six-year Strategic Business Plan for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), which guides utility investments, service levels, and rate paths through 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Business Plan included increases in the capital and operating requirements of the Drainage and Wastewater Fund in response to federal and State regulatory requirements, as well as environmental and infrastructure concerns, with a resulting increase in revenue requirements; and
WHEREAS, SPU has completed a rate study showing that rate increases are required because existing drainage rates will not provide sufficient revenues to pay the costs of providing drainage services and debt service; and
WHEREAS, SPU has identified the need to further clarify how properties eligible for exemptions for qualifying riparian corridors, undeveloped islands, and wetlands are assigned to applicable rate categories; and
WHEREAS, SPU has determined stormwater management facilities that are located on one parcel may reduce or control flow or improve water quality of stormwater runoff from another parcel in a manner similar to approved stormwater management facilities located on the same parcel as the runoff and which are currently allowed a stormwater facility credit under the Seattle Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, credits for qualified low-income customers need to be revised to reflect an increase in drainag...
Click here for full text