TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending Water and Wastewater Capacity Fees; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 78-30; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
City Commission approve and continue Ordinance No. 2022-23 to second reading
Recommended Action on Second Reading
Approve and adopt Ordinance No. 2022-23 on second reading
Recommended Action
Approve and adopt Ordinance No. 2022-23 on third reading
Background Information
On July 26, 2022, GovRates, Inc. presented the completed 2022 Utility Rate Analysis Report, where rates, fees, and charges were analyzed to ensure sufficiency in covering the services' costs. The analysis resulted in several recommended changes to the capacity fees, user rates, and miscellaneous fees. The City Commission directed staff to move forward with the proposed changes to the capacity fees. Ordinance No. 2022-23, presented for first reading, includes all recommended changes along with a scrivener's error on the equivalent residential connection capacity calculation that should have been included when changes to the level of service were adopted in 2019.
The Ordinance has been reviewed by legal for form and correctness.
Information for Second Reading
The first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-23 was heard at the Regular Commission Meeting on September 13, 2022, as presented.
Information for Third Reading
This ordinance was scheduled for second reading on September 27, 2022 and advertised accordingly; that City Commission meeting was canceled due to Hurricane Ian and second reading was rescheduled on October 6, 2022. At the October 6, 2022 meeting, the City Commission voted to approve the ordinance. The next day, the City Attorney’s Office determined that the second reading was not properly advertised, as the advertisements specified a second reading date of September 27, 2022. The City Attorney’s Office advised that the ordinance be readvertised and scheduled for a third reading and adoption at the October 25, 2022 Commission meeting.
Strategic Plan
Good Governance
Financial Impact
There will be a negative financial impact if recommended changes are not instituted, such as the inability to complete necessary repair and replacement projects, maintain adequate debt coverage and/or maintain current level of service.
Procurement
N/A
Attachments:
1. Ordinance - First Reading
2. Public Comment - First Reading
3. Ordinance - Second Reading
4. Ordinance - Third Reading
Prepared by: Michelle Tipp, Utilities Business Manager
Department Director: Nancy Gallinaro, Utilities Director