Agenda - 06-02-2009 - 4gg - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to the concerns presented to the BOCC at the Fall 2008 Public Hearing, the BOCC approved a four year rate increase schedule. This was more gradual than the roughly 18 month increase schedule proposed by staff. Because the rate structure is also changing (there is no longer a 3000 gallon minimum bill), customers who use approximately 1200 gallons or less per month will see their bill decrease slightly on July 1, 2009 when the new rates take effect. The vast majority of Efland Sewer customers will see their bill increase less than $20 per month the first year. At the regular BOCC meeting on May 19, 2009, the BOCC directed staff to provide information to the Efland Sewer Customers regarding two assistance programs available to help citizens with their utility bills, namely the Emergency Assistance program offered through DSS and the Samaritan Relief program offered through Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM). Customers of the System will receive information on these programs before they receive their first bill under the new rates. During the first year of new rates, the BOCC also directed staff to track the demand for assistance encountered by these two programs due to the increase in Efland Sewer rates. This information can then be used by the BOCC to direct future decisions on rate assistance. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The current Efland Sewer System subsidy from the Orange County General Fund is approximately $150,000. By amending the Efland Sewer Resolution and implementing the new rate increase schedule, this subsidy will be eliminated gradually over the next four years. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board amend the Efland Sewer Resolution by replacing the existing rates with the new rate schedule, as shown in Attachment 1.