City Council adopted Bill Number 2753 on December 10, 2018, which purported to increase the residential and commercial sewer connection fees by 30%, among other sewer rate adjustments.  The adjusted connection fee rates listed in Sparks Municipal Code Chapter 13.24 after approval of Bill Number 2753 were derived from the rate study model, which utilized generalized and rounded fees for comparing various model scenarios.  The result of using the fees derived from the model was a 29.5% increase to the residential sewer component and a 32.1% increase to the commercial sewer component of the connection fees, rather than the 30% increase that City Council intended.

Based on City Council’s stated intention to approve a 30% sewer connection fee rate increase, an amendment is required to correct the 29.5% residential and 32.1% commercial increases in SMC Chapter 13.24. The financial billing system used to collect connection fees correctly applied the 30% increase beginning January 1, 2019, as City Council intended. This Bill will correct the connection fees listed in Title 13.24 to accurately reflect the 30% increase to sewer connection fees intended by City Council at the December 10, 2018 meeting.

The City Council may instruct the City Clerk to read the First Reading of the Bill by title on September 23, 2019, and thereafter publish notice of a Second Reading and public hearing of this Bill for consideration and possible approval on October 14, 2019.

This is a First Reading only; no motion is required.