CC - Agendas - City Council - REGULAR - 12/2/2014

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iI .F cITYoF PRESCOTT COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO MEETING DATE/TYPES: VOTING SESSION 12-2-14 DEPARTMENT: Finance AGENDA ITEM: Adoption of Resolution No. 4264-1473 establishing a policy for credits to utility bills for excessive water loss on the customer side of meters Approved By: Date: Director: Woodfill, Mark 11/18/2014 City Manager: McConnell, Craig ?a . i/"2 ' ' " U Item Summary A policy is proposed that would clarify and provide relief to water utility customers who have unknowingly experienced excessive water loss due to leaks or other causes on their side of the water meter, resulting in unusually high utility bills. The water usage charge would be reduced by 50% subject to all of the following criteria being met: 1. The abnormally high water quantity is due to a leak (or improper operation of a device) on the customer side of the meter, of which the customer can demonstrate that they had no knowledge. 2. The quantity billed is more than double the higher of the 12 month average or the same month in the previous year. 3. The leak must be repaired prior to filling out the Leak Adjustment Application. 4. All requests must be filed with the City within ninety (90) days of the issuance of the first bill reflecting the water loss. 5. Customers are eligible for only one credit during a 60 month period. 6. No more than two consecutive billing cycles will be adjusted by application of a credit. Background This item was discussed at the November 4, 2014, Council meeting, at which the following background was provided, and is repeated for reference. The City is committed to providing the highest quality water service through superior customer service, strong financial management, and environmental stewardship. With a utility system as old as the City's, many of our customers also have older plumbing and