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, Regarding Water and Wastewater Utility Line Extension and Connection Charges, Creating an Early Connection Incentive, and Creating a Customer Connection Hardship Program; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 78-31; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
First Reading:
City Commission approve and continue Ordinance No. 2022-24 to second reading
Second Reading:
Adopt Ordinance No. 2022-24
Third Reading:
Adopt Ordinance No. 2022-24
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 order to cover costs of providing the services. The analysis resulted in several recommended changes to the capacity fees, user rates, and miscellaneous fees. The City Commission gave direction for staff to move forward with the proposed changes as well as incorporate other changes discussed during the neighborhood expansion meetings.
Ordinance No. 2022-24 incorporates the following changes:
> A $15,000 Wastewater Line Extension Fee per Equivalent Residential Connection, which was confirmed to be sufficient and competitive
> Changing the Water Line Extension Fee from $43.75 per linear foot to $7,500 per Equivalent Residential Connection, which was confirmed to be sufficient and competitive
> Added a septic tank credit based on the previously adopted well credit
> Incorporated the early connection incentive for existing homeowners
> Added a not to exceed financing time period for the connection charges
> Incorporated a hardship program for qualifying homeowners
The Ordinance has been reviewed by legal for form and correctness.
Changes on Second...
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