Title
Approval of an Ordinance Adopting the 2019 Utility Rates and General Facilities Charges
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The proposed rates and charges reflect recommendations from the City Council and the Utility Advisory Committee. City Council reviewed the proposed 2019 utility rates and general facility charges (GFCs) on October 23, 2018, and the City Council held a public hearing on November 13, 2018. Utility rates were further discussed on November 21, 2018. The review considered recommendations forwarded to Council by the Utility Advisory Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance adopting the 2019 utility rates and general facilities charges on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an ordinance adopting the 2019 utility rates and general facility charges (GFC). Increases in LOTT Clean Water Alliance rates and capacity development charges are also included in the ordinance.
Staff Contact:
Gary Franks, Director, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8780
Andy Haub, P.E., Director, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
City of Olympia provides vital utility services to our community. The City has four utilities:
* Drinking Water
* Storm and Surface Water
* Wastewater
* Waste ReSources
For 2019, staff is proposing rate increases for the Storm and Surface Water (5.1%) and Waste ReSources (5.5%) utilities. Staff is not proposing rate increases for either the Drinking Water or Wastewater utilities. Key rate drivers in 2019 include the need for additional funding to counter struggling recycle markets, sea level rise response, and an increased municipal utility tax rate.
A general facility charge (GFC) increase is proposed for the Storm and Surface Water utility. GFCs are charged to new development as a condition of connecting to and using the...
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