Resolution 18-018 Establishing a Water Sewer Rate Task Force with a Primary Focus on High Volume Users

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Erickson

RESOLUTION 18-018

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING A SHORT TERM WATER AND SEWER RATE TASK FORCE TO REVIEW WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR HIGH VOLUME USERS

WHEREAS, The Water and Sewer Task Force was established by Council in March of 2012 to review the existing water and sewer rate structure and provide written recommendations to Council; and

WHEREAS, The Task Force is to be commended for its hard work over the course of over a year to tackle a complicated and controversial topic: and

WHEREAS, The Task Force proposed changes to the rate structure based on a commodity based uniform rate which was approved by City Council in Resolution 13-048(S-2)(A-3); and

WHEREAS, One of the unintended consequences of the changes to the water and sewer rate was economic damage to large volume users which resulted in job losses; and

WHEREAS, It would be appropriate to establish a task force to review the impact of the water and sewer rate changes to large volume and commercial users; and

WHEREAS, The Task Force should include representation from each sector who took their jobs elsewhere or have had to make huge adjustments to remain competitive; and 

WHEREAS, Addressing unintended consequences of the current water and sewer rate structure necessitates quick work so that rates can be adjusted by July when City Council is required to review and adopt any changes in water sewer rates for the following fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, The Task Force may find that no changes are needed to the rate structure, nevertheless it is important to review the efficacy of policy whenever changes are made; and

WHEREAS, The appointments to the task force will be made by the Mayor with approval of the City Council and have an open advertisement time that closes on February 20th with the appointments to take place at the February 26th Council meeting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the task force shall be comprised of three members and include a representative from a private business located on the Homer Spit, a representative of a non-profit or government agency located in Homer City limits, and a member of the Economic Development Commission.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff support will be provided by the City Finance Director.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force will terminate two months after their first regularly scheduled meeting presenting recommendations to the Homer City Council no later than the first regularly scheduled City Council meeting in June, 2018.

CITY OF HOMER

___________________________________
DONNA ADERHOLD, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE

ATTEST:

______________________________
MELISSA JACOBSEN, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: Staff time and advertising