Agenda - 10-21-2008 - 6e - Laserfiche WebLink

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paragraphs do not take the costs of such a fund into account. Additionally, there is no reliable way to calculate the effect much higher sewer rates will have on consumption (and therefore, revenue). The increased rates may tend to function as a "conservation rate" due to the financial impact of the higher rates. Working backwards from an implementation date of January 10, 2009 (the beginning of Orange-Alamance's monthly billing cycle), staff has created a proposed timeline for the rate changes. According to the County Attorney there is no public hearing requirement before a rate change can be implemented. However, a public hearing has been included in the time line, should the BOCC be inclined to hold one anyway. October 21, 2008 BOCC considers the results of the rate study and provides direction on the new rate schedule. October 22, 2008 The new rate schedule is proposed based on BOCC comments. October 23, 2008 Notice for Public Hearing (2 weeks) on new rate schedule is published. November 6, 2008 Public Hearing on new rate schedule is held as part of the regularly scheduled BOCC meeting November 18, 2008 BOCC approves the new rate schedule. This approval would be in the form of an amendment to the Resolution which established the Efland Sewer System. November 19, 2008 Notice is sent to all current customers of the pending rate increases. January 10, 2009 New rate schedule is reflected for the first time in customer bills for usage from December 10-January 10. Bills are mailed January 16- 20 and due on February 1. This proposed schedule will allow customers to receive notice of the pending rate changes before the "use period" (December 10t"-January 10th) of the January billing cycle. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Examples of financial impacts of the study are included in the Background section of this agenda abstract. Approval of increased user fees equates to potential reduction sin the amount of subsidy the County's General Fund has to contribute to the Efland Sewer Enterprise Fund. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board give direction to staff on implementation of a new rate schedule for the Efland sewer system based on the findings of the Raftelis Financial rate study. Specifically the Board is requested to give guidance on the following issues: 1. Should the rate structure change to a base charge plus usage or remain as a 3,000 gallon per month minimum charge plus usage above 3,000 gallons? 2. If a rate increase is desired, to what extent should the rates increase this year?