2014-07-01-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

RESOLUTION 2014-07-01-R "A Resolution to Provide Oversight of Utility R4 DS91 WHEREAS,the City of Batesville provides water and wastewater ser ices to its citizens and other entities through its Utilities Department's operation of a Water Treatmei it Facility together with a water distribution system and a Wastewater Treatment Facility together with a wastewater collection system; and WHEREAS,historically the City of Batesville has demonstrated a pal tern of adjusting rates associated with the cost of operation of these water and wastewater services o a very sporadic timetable often resulting in very significant increases followed by several years of no cl ange whatsoever even though costs have often continued to rise on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, it is important to ensure the continued delivery of these essential services in a timely manner and at reasonable costs to its customers; and WHEREAS, significant and unexpected rate increases create excepti nal burdens for residential, industrial and wholesale customers and their budgeting cycles; and WHEREAS,annual, and automatic increases that are commensurate With inflation in the costs • associated with the operation of the Utilities Department including, but not limited to, the purchase of goods and services used by the Utilities Department such as chemicals, electricity, construction materials and equipment, labor and insurance will provide increased stability to the Utility Department and provide t better budgetary expectations for its customers. NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Batesville, Arkansas that: Section 1. Prior to the passage of its yearly budget,the Uti ities Department will provide to the City Council a comparative report on its current yearly operatic nal expenses in comparison to the previous year. Section 2. In addition,the Utilities Department will provide to the City Council a water and wastewater rate study conducted every three years,beginning in 20 7,to ensure that rates charged for these services remain competitive with similar cities in Arkansas. Section 3. Each year, during the budgeting process the CitY Council will determine if any rate increase or rate decrease is warranted to fulfill the spirit of this Resol ation. This RESOLUTION adopted this 8th day of July, 2014. Mayor Ric umbaugh A ,est: ^ Denise Johnston, City Clerk