§ 56-3-12. Determination of sewage service rates.

(a)

The rates for sewage services furnished by the water and sewerage department shall be levied upon each lot or parcel of land, building or premises having any connection with the water and sewerage department's sewage system on the basis of the quantity of water used thereon or therein as the same is measured by the city water meter there in use, or by such other equitable method as shall be determined by the board of water commissioners pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the board of water commissioners in accordance with Section 2-111 of the Charter. The rates shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as provided for the payment of water bills; provided that, the city acting by and through the board of water commissioners, shall be empowered to make such adjustments for sewage charges as may be equitable.

(b)

Charges against property served and/or users, including manufacturing and industrial plants, obtaining all or a part of their water supply from sources other than the water and sewerage department's water system shall be determined by gauging, metering or any other equitable method of measuring, in a manner approved by the city, acting by and through its board of water commissioners, the actual sewage entering the sewage system or the corresponding water use. Meters or other means for gauging or metering as above provided shall be installed by the property served, where applicable, and/or the user of the sewage system as required by and under the supervision of the director of the water and sewerage department, as a condition to the use of the sewage system.

(c)

The rate to such users shall be established by the board of water commissioners and shall be approved by the city council in accordance with state and local law.

(d)

A five (5) percent late payment charge shall be made for delinquent payment of bills rendered.

(e)

The city shall pay out of the appropriate general funds of the city the reasonable cost and value of the services rendered to the city by such sewage system on the basis of the established rate schedules, including amounts of water used by the several departments of the city, the board of water commissioners shall be empowered to enter into agreements with corporations or individuals outside the corporate limits of the city for the service of the sewage system and appurtenances and extensions thereto at such charges and upon such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the board of water commissioners, subject to the approval of the city council; provided, that in the determination of such charges, there shall be considered in addition to other costs and charges the cost of any pumping stations or other equipment heretofore or which may hereafter be constructed and which are necessary and essential for the proper operation and maintenance of the sewage disposal system.

(Ord. No. 363-H, § 1(56-1-13), 12-12-79)