Chapter 13.28 RATES AND CHARGES

2025 meter rates and service charges for domestic water consumed, used, or delivered by or to customers of the water department shall be effective commencing December 15, 2024, and shall be according to the following schedules and classifications of use:

A. The monthly water meter service charge for the different size meters shall be as follows:

Meter Size	Rate
5/8 to 3/4 inch	$27.77
1 inch	$32.39
1 1/4 inch	$38.02
1 1/2 inch	$42.67
2 inch	$63.25
3 inch	$83.52
4 inch	$107.37
6 inch	$205.81
8 inch	$414.57

B. In addition to the service charge for each monthly billing period, water usage shall be charged in accordance with the following schedule:

Consumption in Gallons	Rate
1,000 to 3,000	$0.42
3,001 to 15,000	$2.56
15,001 to 30,000	$2.05
30,001 and above	$1.77

Provided, where more than one meter is used to measure the service, the meter service charge shall be the sum of the charges for the meters so used.

In addition to the charges, applicable Washington State utility tax shall be shown on the billing and collected in accordance with this chapter and GMC 13.28.120.

C. The city shall pay hydrant rental at the following rate per year:

Service Provided	Rate
Hydrant rental	$2,135.00

D. For all water services outside of city limits, the charge shall be 150 percent of the applicable rate within the city limits, including standby or fire protection service charges; except when property to be served is subject to pending annexation and Yakima County has given the city early transfer of authority as provided in Article G.6 of the Interlocal Agreement for Growth Management Act implementation in Yakima County, adopted by Resolution No. 99-14. In the event such property is not annexed at the next available annexation election date, or other procedure for annexation, said property shall pay at the rate of all other property outside the city limits.

E. Service Charge for Rereading Obstructed Meters. Whenever it is necessary for the meter reader to return to any meter to read the same because of the fact that the meter is covered with debris, dirt, or any other material making access to the meter difficult, a service charge shall be charged each time the meter reader must return to the premises, and the meter reader shall leave a notice with the occupant of the premises, and shall not return more often than each five days. The service charges shall be as follows:

Service Provided	Rate
Obstructed meter reread	$25.00

F. Service Charge to Turn On a Meter, Create a New Utility Account, Generate a Closing Bill or Generate and Deliver a 24-Hour Notice of Disconnection. A service charge shall be charged to turn on a meter, create a new utility account, generate a closing bill, or generate and deliver a 24-hour notice of disconnection as follows:

Service Provided	Rate
24-hour notice of disconnection fee	$5.00
Turn-on fee	$25.00
New account fee	$25.00
Closing bill fee	$25.00
After hours* nonemergency turn-on fee	$80.00

*After hours shall include Monday through Friday after 4:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m., weekends and holidays.

(Ord. 2024-19 § 1; Ord. 2023-21 § 1; Ord. 2022-17 § 1; Ord. 2017-12 § 1; Ord. 2014-16 § 1; Ord. 2013-24 § 1; Ord. 2012-21 § 1; Ord. 2011-22 § 1; Ord. 2010-29 § 1; Ord. 2009-11 § 1; Ord. 2009-7 § 8; Ord. 2008-18 § 1; Ord. 2007-28 § 1; Ord. 2007-3 § 3; Ord. 1777 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1207 § 1, 1987; Ord. 1180 § 2, 1987; Ord. 1135 § 2, 1985; Ord. 1126 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1093 § 1, 1983; Ord. 1077 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1042 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1006 § 1, 1981; 1964 code § 11.32.010).

13.28.015 Connection to domestic water system – Domestic water capital cost recovery fee.

There shall be a water capital cost recovery charge for each new water service connection, as required in GMC 13.24.020, in the sum of $110.00 per each unit of use. (Ord. 1492 § 1, 1997).

13.28.020 Meter installation charges.

Meter installation and domestic water charges shall be as follows: Before water service is installed and water supplied, the property owner shall pay to the city treasurer a ready-to-serve charge as follows:

A. The basic charge for each meter of various sizes as shall be determined by resolution of the council, passed not less often than once each year and reflecting the acquisition cost of meters and couplings to the city together with installation costs.

B. Additional charges based on cost to the city, plus 10 percent, shall be made where permanent street surfacing and sidewalks are disturbed or passed under by service lines, and where the meter is more than 40 feet from a water main in the street, nine feet from a water main in the alley, or more than five feet from the tap in the water main on private property. (1964 code § 11.32.020).

13.28.030 Charges based on current rates.

The charge for domestic water charges shall be made on the basis of the rate in effect at commencement of the month wherein water was consumed and may be based on the average usage. (Ord. 1093 § 5, 1983; 1964 code § 11.32.030).

13.28.035 Prorating water and sewer charges.

The monthly service charge for each monthly billing period shall be prorated on a weekly basis from the fifteenth day of the last billing cycle to the date the meter is turned off or read at the request of the property owner or occupant during the billing month. (Ord. 2009-7 § 9; Ord. 1180 § 1, 1987).

13.28.036 Water meter malfunctions and water leaks.

A. When a sewer rate or water rate is based on metered water consumption, and when a water meter fails or malfunctions and it is not possible to accurately determine the amount of water consumed, the amount to be charged for water and sewer for any month during which the meter failure or malfunction occurred shall be based on the metered consumption of water for the same period the year previous for the current water and sewer rate for that class of account being applicable. In the event that there is no record of water consumption for the same period in the prior year, the amount of consumption shall be estimated by the city administrator.

B. In the event of a verified water leak which would result in an unusually large sewer billing due to such increased water usage, said sewer charges shall be based upon the metered consumption of water for the same period the previous year for the current water and sewer rate for that class of account being applicable. In the event that there is no record of water consumption for the same period in the prior year, the amount of consumption shall be estimated by the city administrator. (Ord. 2009-7 § 10; Ord. 1409 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1346 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1207 § 2, 1987).

13.28.040 Single billing for each connection – Responsibility for payment of utility accounts – Exceptions.

No more than one bill per meter or sewage connection shall be made, regardless of the number of users therein. All accounts shall be kept on the books of the city of Grandview in the name of the owners of the property to which the connection is made. The owners of the property shall be responsible for the payment of the bill whether or not the billing is made to their tenants as provided hereafter if the tenant fails to pay the bill or leaves the property without paying the final bill. All current accounts in the name of the tenant shall remain in the tenant’s name (unless requested by the owner) until such time as the tenant notifies the city that service is no longer requested due to the tenants vacating the property, at which time said account and billing shall be transferred into the owner’s name and billed to the owner of the property at the owner’s address, or at the request of the owner, to the address of his new tenant. Billing currently in the tenant’s name (unless requested by the owner of the manufactured home) shall continue in manufactured home parks where individual meters have been installed and where the manufactured homes located therein are not owned by the manufactured home park owner. In all cases, any unpaid bills by tenants are the responsibility of the owner of the manufactured home and shall become a lien on the manufactured home if unpaid. (Ord. 1627 § 2, 2002; Ord. 1582 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1067 § 3, 1982; 1964 code § 11.32.040).

13.28.050 Sewer rates.

2025 rates set forth herein shall become effective on December 15, 2024, excluding subsection B of this section, Rates for Large Industrial Users Within the City, which shall become effective on January 1, 2025.

A. Definitions. Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of the terms used in this section shall be as defined in GMC 13.04.010.

B. Rates for Large Industrial Commercial Users Within the City. Sewer rates for large industrial or commercial accounts required to install monitoring stations, to be charged by the city of Grandview for sewer service, are, until further ordinance by the city council, as follows:

Parameter	Rate
Flow per 1,000 gallons	$4.0774
BOD per pound	$0.1248
TSS per pound	$0.3936

Quantities of flow, BOD and TSS shall be as determined by the city using data and results obtained by the city from the monitoring stations installed by each large industrial or commercial user. The minimum monthly charge for large industrial and commercial users shall be as follows:

Service Description	Rate
Minimum monthly charge	$872.27

The minimum monthly charge for separate sanitary waste, as discussed below, shall be included in this minimum amount. The city of Grandview shall charge for sanitary waste flows that do not pass through the industrial monitoring stations for the large industrial or commercial accounts. Such sanitary waste flows shall be determined based on the number of “full-time equivalent” employees employed by the large industrial or commercial user.

“Full-time equivalent” refers to the calculation made to determine the number of employees, both part- and full-time, employed in the city of Grandview, by a particular business. The quarterly Department of Labor and Industries report should be used to determine the number of employee equivalents by dividing the total hours of all classes of workers employed by 520 hours and adding the number of owners, partners, and officers employed in the business and not included above. If the quarterly Department of Labor and Industries report does not accurately reflect the number of employees employed within the city of Grandview, then equivalent quarterly information may be used to determine the number of employee equivalents by dividing the total hours of all classes of workers employed by 520 hours and adding the number of owners, partners and officers employed in the business and not included in the worker hours.

For example: if an industry reported 10,400 hours for the first quarter, the calculation would be:

Monthly number of equivalent employees = 10,400/520 = 20

A copy of the report or form used to determine worker hours and “full-time equivalent” employees shall be provided to the city each quarter.

The sanitary waste water flows for a three-month period shall be based on the number of hours reported for the previous quarter and shall be calculated using 300 gallons per employee per day as follows:

Monthly flow volume in gallons = monthly number of equivalent employees times 300 gallons per equivalent employee.

For example: using the 20 monthly number of equivalent employees calculated above for the first quarter, the flow volume used for sewer rates for each month of the second quarter would be:

Monthly flow volume in gallons = 20 x 300 = 6,000 gallons

Charges by the city of Grandview for such sanitary waste sewer services are, until further ordinance by the city council, as follows:

Sewer rates shall be based upon a minimum monthly charge plus a per unit rate for each 1,000 gallons of water delivered in excess of the first 5,000 gallons per month as follows:

Minimum Monthly Charge	Rate
Minimum for 5,000 gallons	$51.68
Plus for each 1,000 gallons after 5,000 gallons	$6.42

C. Rates for Residential and Public Users Within the City. Sewer rates for all accounts within the corporate city limits, except industrial, business and commercial accounts, to be charged by the city of Grandview for sewer services are, until further ordinance by the city council, as follows. Sewer rates shall be based upon a minimum monthly charge plus a per unit rate for each 1,000 gallons of water delivered in excess of the first 5,000 gallons per month as follows:

Minimum Monthly Charge	Rate
Minimum for 5,000 gallons	$43.68
Plus for each 1,000 gallons after 5,000 gallons	$6.91

Provided, during the irrigation season (March 15th to October 15th – Resolution No. 2004-20) the sewer rate use charge shall be fixed and based upon the average monthly water usage during the non-irrigation season (October 15th to March 15th). During the non-irrigation season, the sewer rate use charge shall be fixed and based upon actual water use.

D. Rates for Commercial, Business, and Industrial Users Within the City. Sewer rates for commercial, business, and industrial sewer services within the corporate city limits not required to install monitoring stations, with the exception of grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and drive-ins, to be charged by the city of Grandview for sewer services are, until further ordinance by the city council, as follows:

Sewer rates shall be based upon a minimum monthly charge plus a per unit rate for each 1,000 gallons of water delivered in excess of the first 5,000 gallons per month as follows:

Minimum Monthly Charge	Rate
Minimum for 5,000 gallons	$43.68
Plus for each 1,000 gallons after 5,000 gallons	$5.42

Commercial, business, and industrial sewer services within the corporate city limits not required to install monitoring stations who lose volume of water through evaporation, irrigation, or in the product may request a reduction in their monthly sewer charge only if the difference between water consumed and wastewater discharged to the city is documented through the use of water meters. In such situations, the monthly sewer charges will be based upon the volume of wastewater discharged to the city at the rates specified.

Sewer rates for grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and drive-ins to be charged by the city of Grandview for sewer services are, until further ordinance by the city council, as follows. Sewer rates shall be based upon a minimum monthly charge plus a per unit rate for each 1,000 gallons of water delivered in excess of the first 5,000 gallons per month as follows:

Minimum Monthly Charge	Rate
Minimum for 5,000 gallons	$43.68
Plus for each 1,000 gallons after 5,000 gallons	$6.36

E. Rates Outside City. Sewer rates for all accounts outside the corporate city limits, to be charged by the city of Grandview for sewer services are, until further ordinance by the city council, 150 percent of the corresponding rate charged for a similar facility located within the corporate city limits; except when property to be served is subject to pending annexation and Yakima County has given the city early transfer of authority as provided in Article G.6 of the Interlocal Agreement for Growth Management Act implementation in Yakima County, adopted by Resolution No. 99-14. In the event such property is not annexed at the next available annexation election date, said property shall pay at the rate of all other property outside the city limits. Where user is supplied by water from non-city sources, upon demand of the city council, the supply shall be metered at the owner's expense and the city shall have the right of access to the meter.

F. In addition to all sewer charges, applicable Washington State and local utility taxes shall be shown on the billing and collected in accordance with this chapter and GMC 13.28.120.

G. Penalty. The city of Grandview shall charge monetary penalties for slug or accidental discharges of wastes from large industrial or commercial users in accordance with GMC 13.12.120 and, until further ordinance of the city council, penalties for violation of pH limits in accordance with the following schedule:

Any discharge of wastes from a large industrial or commercial user with a pH lower than five or higher than 11, for an average over a 15-minute period within a 60-minute duration, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewage works, shall be subject to a penalty as follows per hour for each hour said violation continues to occur. In addition, the city may charge the discharger for actual costs of mitigating the effects of the impact of the discharge on the sewer system and treatment facilities:

Penalty Description	Rate
Slug/accidental discharge	$419.75 per hour

(Ord. 2024-20 § 1; Ord. 2023-22 § 1; Ord. 2022-18 § 1; Ord. 2019-18 § 1; Ord. 2018-16 § 1; Ord. 2017-11 § 1; Ord. 2014-17 § 1; Ord. 2013-25 § 1; Ord. 2012-22 § 1; Ord. 2011-23 § 1; Ord. 2010-30 § 1; Ord. 2009-12 § 1; Ord. 2009-7 § 11; Ord. 2008-19 § 1; Ord. 2007-29 § 1; Ord. 2007-15 § 1; Ord. 1773 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1207 § 3, 1987; Ord. 1135 § 3, 1985; Ord. 1078 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1067 § 3, 1982; Ord. 1043 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1005 § 1, 1981; 1964 code § 11.32.050).

13.28.060 Irrigation water service – Rates and method of billing – Setting rates – Shut off valves required – Turn-off/turn-on fees.

A. Irrigation water service shall be charged for each county assessor’s parcel within the city irrigation water system, regardless of water delivery, except as provided in subsection C of this section. Assessments shall be equal to the total parcel area multiplied by the applicable service rate.

B. 2025 rates for irrigation set forth herein shall become effective on December 15, 2024, as follows:

1. For land serviced by pressure irrigation, the service rate shall be $0.023195 per square foot and the minimum charge per property shall be the sum of $139.28 per year.

2. For land served by gravity flow where the city is responsible for maintenance, the service rate shall be $0.005275 per square foot or $229.69 per acre, and the minimum charge per property shall be the sum of $92.25 per year.

3. For lands served by gravity flow, where the city is not responsible for maintenance or where no water is delivered, the service rate shall be $0.002685 per square foot or $116.82 per acre per year or $48.82 minimum charge per year per property owner.

C. Condominium units shall be assessed as though such condominium unit were one county assessor’s parcel.

D. 1. Every customer receiving irrigation water shall be required to install an approved shut-off valve on their irrigation water line no later than March 31, 1994. Each customer may either install their own valve, contract with a private installer or may request the public works department to install the valve at a charge of $40.00 including the valve and labor. The charge may be increased or decreased by resolution of the city council.

2. In the event the city is called out to shut off the irrigation system by a customer who has not installed or had installed a shut-off valve after March 31, 1994, there shall be a valve installed by the city at a cost of $80.00.

3. If a shut-off valve is installed, and the city is requested to shut off the irrigation system to repair a malfunctioning valve, there shall be a normal water turn-off/turn-on fee of $25.00. In the event the city is requested to shut off the irrigation system due to the negligence of the customer, a fee of $80.00 shall be assessed and billed to the customer. (Ord. 2024-22 § 1; Ord. 2023-24 § 1; Ord. 2022-19 § 1; Ord. 2021-23 § 1; Ord. 2020-13 § 1; Ord. 2019-19 § 1; Ord. 2018-18 § 1; Ord. 2017-14 § 1; Ord. 2016-21 § 1; Ord. 2015-17 § 1; Ord. 2014-18 § 1; Ord. 2010-31 § 1; Ord. 2009-13 § 1; Ord. 2009-7 § 12; Ord. 2008-20 § 1; Ord. 2008-6 § 1; Ord. 2007-30 § 1; Ord. 1774 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1368 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1220 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1088 § 1, 1983; 1964 code § 11.32.060).

13.28.070 Irrigation water service – Due date and delinquency of charges.

Repealed by Ord. 1502. (Ord. 1088 § 2, 1983; 1964 code § 11.32.070).

13.28.080 Additional charge for cutting pavement, etc.

Whenever in the installation of water and sewer connections to users, the installation requires the cutting of sidewalks, curbs or permanent street surfacing, the water or sewer user requiring the connection shall pay, in addition to the usual connection charge, 110 percent of the cost to the city of the installation, including the restoration of the sidewalk, curb and street. (1964 code § 11.32.080).

13.28.085 Garbage rates.

2025 rates for solid waste set forth herein shall become effective on December 15, 2024, as follows:

A. The monthly solid waste charge for the different-sized containers picked up one time per week shall be as follows:

90-Gallon Containers
1 can	$15.10
2 cans	$30.20
3 cans	$45.30
4 cans	$60.40

300-Gallon Containers
1 can	$49.72
2 cans	$99.44
3 cans	$149.16
4 cans	$198.88

B. All users sharing one-third of a 300-gallon container shall be charged at the rate of $15.10 per monthly billing period for one pick-up per week.

C. Multiple-family residences using 300-gallon containers shall be charged at the rate of $15.10 per billing period per dwelling unit.

D. All users who have multiple pick-ups per week shall be charged per month by multiplying the number of pick-ups per week by the number of containers picked up.

E. Other service charges are as follows:

Return call-out, all size containers, per container	$31.66
Overfilled container charge	$3.96
Replace damaged/destroyed container	$158.48
Dumpster drop-off at public works shop per pickup size load	$9.53

(Ord. 2024-21 § 1; Ord. 2023-23 § 1; Ord. 2020-12 § 1; Ord. 2018-17 § 1; Ord. 2017-13 § 1; Ord. 2016-22 § 1; Ord. 2015-18 § 1; Ord. 2008-21 § 1; Ord. 2007-31 § 1; Ord. 1775 § 1, 2006).

13.28.090 Vacant premises.

No vacancy credit shall be allowed any owner and/or occupant of a residential premises that has an active city water utility serving the property. If water service is not discontinued during a vacancy period, sanitation fees will be continued as if the residential property is occupied.

The city clerk or his or her designee(s) may allow a vacancy credit for nonresidential premises during periods of vacancy for which the owner of the premises has notified the city in writing that waste disposal pickup is not needed. No credit shall be allowed for any period in which such premises are occupied, or for any period of vacancy during which waste disposal service is provided by the city. (Ord. 2009-7 § 13; 1964 code § 11.32.090).

13.28.100 Connection to public sewer system – Fee.

There shall be a charge of $700.00, including inspection fee, for each new connection to the public sewer system per residential unit (said fees shall not include the cost of labor or material in making such connection), except as follows:

A. When connection is made to a sewer trunk line constructed by a local improvement district established after January 1, 1965, for the disposition of sewage, the following schedule shall apply:

1. When such connection is made to service property within the original boundaries of a local improvement district and the assessments for payment of cost of the local improvement were based on a per-connection and not a front-foot or square-foot charge, then the charge for each additional connection shall be equal to the original per-connection assessment, plus an inspection fee of $20.00.

2. When such connection is made to serve property within the boundaries of a local improvement district to serve property which was assessed for payment of costs of the local improvement on a per-front-foot or square-foot basis, the charge shall be an inspection fee of $20.00.

3. When such connection is made to serve property outside the boundaries of such a local improvement district, through trunk sewer lines of said district, the charge shall be computed on the same basis as was used to establish the assessments within the district for payment of the cost of the local improvement, plus an inspection fee of $20.00.

B. If the property owner is required to construct at his own expense a trunk sewer line to serve not less than two users, to make the connection, the charge for each service connection to said trunk sewer line shall be $700.00, including the inspection fee. (Ord. 1491 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1183 § 1, 1987; 1964 code § 11.32.100).

13.28.110 Connection to public system – Installation costs additional.

The connection fee shall not include the costs of a sewer connection saddle, which saddle shall comply with the requirements of the director of public works of the city. (1964 code § 11.32.101).

13.28.120 Due and delinquency dates for domestic water, sewer, irrigation water and garbage charges.

A. All charges for domestic water, sewer, irrigation water (except irrigation water only) and garbage service shall be due on or before the twentieth day of the month in which the bill is rendered, provided that if the twentieth day of the month in which the bill is rendered falls on a Saturday, a Sunday or legal holiday, payment may be submitted the next day which is neither a Saturday, a Sunday nor a legal holiday. Legal holidays are prescribed in RCW 1.16.050. A charge not submitted in accordance with this provision shall be delinquent. Domestic water, sewer, irrigation water and garbage bills cover periods of one month, and shall be issued upon a single statement where feasible. All payments and collections for domestic water and sewer services shall be paid into the water and sewer revenue fund. All payments and collections for irrigation services shall be paid into the irrigation fund. All payments and collections for garbage service shall be paid into the garbage revenue fund.

B. All charges for irrigation water only service shall be due and payable on the date of billing, at the office of the city treasurer, and shall become delinquent on the first day of May of the same year in which the original billing was rendered. Irrigation water only bills cover periods of one year, and shall be issued upon a single statement where feasible. All payments and collections for irrigation services shall be paid into the irrigation fund. (Ord. 2013-26 § 1; Ord. 1651 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1502 § 2, 1997; Ord. 1093 § 2, 1983; 1964 code § 11.32.110).

13.28.130 Lien for unpaid charges.

All charges for water and sewer connections and service, irrigation assessments and connections, and all service charges, provided in this chapter, or as may be hereafter amended, together with penalties and interest thereon, shall be a lien upon the property with which such connections are made or to which such sewerage service, domestic water service, or irrigation service is rendered, superior to all other liens and encumbrances whatsoever, except for general taxes and local special assessments. Enforcement of such lien or liens shall be in the manner provided by law. (Ord. 1502 § 3, 1997; 1964 code § 11.32.120).

13.28.140 Imposition of delinquency charge – Shutoff as method of enforcement.

A. Domestic water, sewer charges, irrigation assessments (except irrigation water only assessments), and garbage charges shall be collectible monthly and the charges and assessments shall be delinquent if unpaid at the close of the regular business day preceding the twenty-first day of the month following the billing date. Upon delinquency, the customer shall be assessed a penalty in the sum of 10 percent of the amount due and owing as disclosed by the billing for that month.

B. Irrigation water only assessments shall be collectible yearly and the assessments shall be delinquent if unpaid at the close of the regular business day preceding the first day of May of the same year in which the original billing was rendered. Upon delinquency, the irrigation water only customer shall be assessed a penalty in the sum of 10 percent of the amount due and owing as disclosed by the billing for that year.

C. As an additional and concurrent method of enforcing the lien of the city for irrigation assessments, domestic water, sewer, and garbage charges, the city shall impose a 24-hour notice of disconnection fee on all accounts that remain delinquent and require notice of disconnection at the close of business on the fourteenth day of the calendar month following the date of delinquency. The city will disconnect the water service from the premises where services are provided unless the delinquent balance (including the 24-hour notice of disconnection fee) is below $30.00 on the close of business on the date stated on the notice of disconnection.

D. In the event the account balance exceeds $30.00 on the close of business on the due date stated on the notice of disconnection, the public works director is authorized and directed, on the following regular business day, to disconnect the water services from the premises where services are provided. Disconnection will be by removing or locking the water meter until all charges, plus penalties as stated in subsections A and C of this section, together with the turn-on fee for reconnecting the domestic water, are paid. Upon payment in full, reconnection will occur between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the date of disconnection.

E. In the event the customer protests his or her billing statement to the city clerk within the 14-day period, an additional three-day period from the date of protest shall be granted during which time the validity or invalidity of such protest shall be determined by the city clerk. During that period if the city determines that such billing is valid and remains unpaid, the city shall turn off the customer’s domestic water as provided for in this section. (Ord. 2024-25 § 1; Ord. 2014-3 § 1; Ord. 2009-7 § 14; Ord. 2007-6 § 1; Ord. 2007-3 §§ 1, 2; Ord. 1742 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1651 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1535 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1502 § 4, 1997; Ord. 1489 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1455 § 1, 1996; Ord. 1093 §§ 3, 4, 1983; Ord. 1017 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1008 § 1, 1981; 1964 code § 11.32.130).

13.28.150 Connections by premises outside city – Cash payment and agreement.

A. The director of public works is authorized to issue permits for connections to the sewer system or water system upon application from the legal owner or owners of property outside the city limits when, in his judgment, the connections will not overload or impair the efficiency of the system. No such permit, however, will be authorized until the applicant therefor has paid into the treasury, in cash, a sum equivalent, as near as may be, to the average amounts paid in assessments and taxes by property within the city of the same size and value for the construction and maintenance of the sewer system, and/or water system and enters into an agreement with the director not to permit property other than described in the application to make use of the connection unless an agreement has been entered into as provided in GMC 13.28.160, and to comply with the laws and ordinances of the city pertaining to sewer or water and plumbing service.

B. The agreement shall be recorded with the county auditor and shall constitute a covenant running with the land and binding upon the applicant and all persons or parties subsequently acquiring right, title or interest in or to the property. In the event any such owner violates the agreement, the director shall immediately disconnect and block the sewer connection from the sewer system or cut off the water supply and shall notify the county health authorities of his action. All sums originally paid for the connection shall then be forfeited to the city. (Ord. 1194 § 1, 1987; 1964 code § 11.32.140).

13.28.160 Extension of water mains/sewer lines.

When an applicant requests water and sewer service to property lying within the city limits or within 10 miles of the city limits, but which previously has no water main or sewer line in the adjacent street or alley, a water main and/or sewer collection line may be constructed and approved in accordance with the current city resolution or ordinance setting forth utility line standards of materials, installation, construction, connection, inspection and other related requirements. Such installation shall be made as follows:

A. The owner(s) of the property to be served shall bear the expense of the utility line extension, except, in the event the city desires to oversize the line to be installed, the city shall pay the difference in cost of the pipe and fittings required above the standard size required. If the utility line is to be installed in the city right-of-way or easement by city personnel, or under contract let by the city, the owner(s) shall first submit detailed plans prepared by a professional engineer, for approval by the city. The city’s director of public works shall estimate the expense of labor, equipment, materials, inspection, record drawings and overhead, and the total of such estimated cost shall be paid to the city treasurer prior to the commencement of the utility line extension and installation. If the estimated cost does not cover the cost of such installation, the deficit shall be paid to the city treasurer within 60 days of the completion of the project. The deficit shall become a lien on the property of the applicant. Any excess funds over those required to complete the project shall be returned to the owner(s).

B. The mayor, with the approval of the city council, is authorized to contract with the owner(s) of the property to be improved to provide a means for recovering a portion of the cost of the utility line extension by means of a latecomer charge to the owner(s) of property abutting upon the utility line extension who did not share the cost of construction and installation, but who may wish to connect with such utility line extension service within 20 years following the date of completion of the utility line extension. The contract shall be recorded in the office of the Yakima County auditor, and such contract shall set forth the legal description of the abutting properties and the amount of the latecomer charges for such property. The contract shall include additional provisions as described in RCW 35.91.020.

C. The contracted latecomer charges shall be based upon the following formula:

1. The total cost of the line extension, less oversizing costs borne by the city, shall be divided by the square footage of the entire area capable of being served. Latecomer charges shall be based upon the square footage to be serviced. Any latecomer charges are in addition to connection fees and costs.

2. In no event shall the owner/developer be reimbursed through latecomer charges in excess of the initial cost less his pro rata share of the area owned by his property being serviced.

D. Any portion of a proposed utility line extension, which is located upon private property, shall be installed strictly in accordance with city specifications by a competent contractor at the expense of the owner(s). In addition, the owner(s) shall pay to the city all costs of an inspection designated by the city for the performance of all utility line installation inspections which are deemed necessary by the director of public works and such as are required under applicable ordinances and resolutions of the city.

For any utility line constructed on private property, the city shall require that an easement for access to the utility line extension be granted and conveyed to the city prior to commencement of construction and installation. The width of such easement shall be minimum of 15 feet, seven and one-half feet on each side of the centerline of the utility line, or such additional width as the city may require to provide proper separation of sewer and water lines, and to provide sufficient width in the case of unusual requirements caused by geographical terrain or installation depth features. The easement shall provide that the grantor shall not construct any building or structures within the easement without first obtaining the written approval of the city’s director of public works.

E. The owner(s) of the property who desire an extension of the city water main and/or sewer lines may choose to have the installation made by the formation of a local improvement district (LID) as prescribed by law when applicable.

F. The city shall own and maintain all utility line extensions located upon city property, rights-of-way and easements and the owner shall, concurrently with the execution of a latecomer agreement, conveying free and clear of all encumbrances to the city the water or sewer system, along with rights-of-way or easements along with access to maintain the same.

G. Owner shall by agreement, either correct defective work, or if rejected by the city, remove and replace it with nondefective work for a period of one year from the date of said latecomer agreement. (Ord. 2022-22 § 1; Ord. 1194 § 2, 1987; Ord. 1129 § 1, 1985).

13.28.170 Line extension/latecomer provisions.

If a current and valid agreement for partial reimbursement by any latecomer charges exists as provided for in GMC 13.28.160, the city shall pay collected latecomer charges to the parties entitled to payment as the same are collected in accordance with the agreement. In all other cases collected latecomer charges shall be retained by the city. (Ord. 1129 § 2, 1985).

13.28.180 Utilities capital improvement fund established.

A fund of the city to be known as “utilities capital improvement fund” is created and established. All latecomer charges and fees which the city is entitled to make, receive, and retain pursuant to the ordinance codified herein shall be deposited in the fund. Expenditures therefrom shall be made solely for the purposes of construction and installation of capital improvements, extensions and additions to the water distribution and/or sewage collection systems of the city.

All receipts and expenditures shall be provided for in the annual budget estimates of the city and expenditures from the fund shall be made solely for the purposes herein provided and as authorized and approved by the city council. (Ord. 1129 § 3, 1985).

13.28.190 City improvements to existing systems.

Nothing in the ordinance codified herein shall be construed to prohibit the city from expending public funds to maintain or improve its existing water and/or sewage collection systems. Nor shall the city be prohibited from expending public funds to maintain or improve its existing utility systems or from such extensions and additions thereto as may be deemed necessary for improvements thereof. (Ord. 1129 § 4, 1985).

13.28.200 Certain rates and charges authorized by resolution.

All rates and charges set forth in GMC 13.28.010, 13.28.020, 13.28.050, and 13.28.100 shall be set by resolution of the city council from time to time, and said rates shall be on file at the office of the city clerk. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 1986).