Chapter 15.22
WATER AND SEWER RATES
Sections:
15.22.030 Property owner responsible for payment and account changes.
15.22.040 Rate reductions and appeals.
Cross-references:
RCW 36.94.140: Authority to set sewer, water rates.
Chapter 15.14 CCC: Sewer-water service regulations.
15.22.010 Water rates.
The Board of County Commissioners (Board) shall, from time to time by resolution, to be kept on file with the Clerk of the Board, determine the rates and other fees to be charged for the use of water service utilities in the service areas. Those rates and fees in effect prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall continue unchanged until subsequent amendment by resolution. All such resolutions shall be subject to public hearing and notice by publication thereof at least 10 days in advance of approval of said resolution. [Ord. 15-014 § 2, 2-3-15.]
15.22.020 Sewer rates.
The Board shall, from time to time by resolution, determine the rates and other fees to be charged for the use of sewer service utilities in the service areas. Those rates and fees in effect prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall continue unchanged until subsequent amendment by resolution. All such resolutions shall be subject to public hearing and notice by publication thereof at least 10 days in advance of approval of said resolution. [Ord. 15-014 § 3, 2-3-15.]
15.22.030 Property owner responsible for payment and account changes.
A. All applications shall be made by the owner of the property to be served thereby, or their legally authorized agent for property purchase, sale or rental management, for:
1. Water and/or sewage service;
2. Connections with the water or sewerage systems;
3. Turning water off and on;
4. Removing or reinstalling water meters;
5. Requests for adjustments to the account;
6. Requests for hardship arrangements for payment dates other than at scheduled due dates;
7. Billing address changes and duplicate bill copy requests.
B. Such owners shall be responsible for all account changes and the payment of all such charges, together with the penalties and interest thereon as provided in this chapter. All accounts for such service shall be billed directly to such owner.
C. All such charges, penalties and interest shall be a lien upon the property to which such water is delivered, sewerage service rendered, or such connection or connections made, superior to all other liens or encumbrances except those for general taxes and special assessments. Enforcement of such lien or liens shall be in the manner provided by law. [Ord. 15-014 § 4, 2-3-15.]
15.22.040 Rate reductions and appeals.
A. Definitions. As used in this section:
“Low income disabled person” means a person whose combined disposable income does not exceed that amount as stated in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii) and: (a) a person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.16.381(1)(a) through (f); (b) a blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020; or (c) a disabled, handicapped or incapacitated person as defined under any other state or federal program.
“Low income elderly person” means a person whose combined disposable income does not exceed that amount as stated in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii) and who meets the criteria specified in RCW 84.36.379 through 84.36.389.
B. Rate Reductions – Low Income Elderly or Low Income Disabled.
1. The Board shall establish water rate reduction rates for properties in the service areas, as set forth in CCC 15.22.010.
2. Appeals and Notifications of Disqualifications. An applicant who is denied a rate reduction may appeal a Department determination to the Board, whose decision shall be limited to determining whether the applicant meets all qualifying criteria, and whose decision shall be final. An applicant who ceases to be qualified for rate reductions as provided in this section shall advise the Department of Public Works within five days after having become disqualified and the privilege to receive rate reductions hereunder shall immediately cease.
3. Rate reductions become effective on the next billing cycle after a person has qualified. [Ord. 15-014 § 5, 2-3-15.]