Title
An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Amending Section 52.53 Of The Code Of Ordinances Entitled “Rates And Charges For Use Of System” To Update The Current Regulations Relating To Accounts And Procedures; Providing For Repeal, Severability, Codification, And An Effective Date.
Strategic Plan Focus
Financial Management & Administration
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the attached Ordinance.
Explanation:
The Department of Public Utilities is proposing updates to Chapter 52 of the City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, which governs the City's management of sewer use, billing, and related customer procedures. After reviewing the current rules, staff determined that several sections require modernization to improve the City's handling of billing issues, account adjustments, and service accuracy.
The ordinance updates the procedures customers may use to request adjustments to their sewer charges for increased usage caused by identified leaks and unexplained leaks. It expands eligibility for sewer charge reductions to include customers who experience a sudden spike in their monthly bill but lack documentation of a leak or its repair. The revisions also simplify the approval process by assigning responsibility to the Director of Public Utilities or a designee.
Additionally, the section addressing estimated readings due to failing meters and meter transmission units that cease to transmit data will now be addressed by new language incorporated into Chapter 51.075. That language clarifies and sets forth how usage during such period of estimates will be adjusted.
Overall, the proposed amendments are intended to make the sewer billing and adjustment process more transparent, consistent, and customer-friendly while supporting efficient operations within the City and the Department of Public Utilities. If adopted, the ordinance will formally update Chapter 52 to reflect these improved procedures and become part of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
Fiscal Impact:
Currently, reductions in sewer charges for filling swimming pools and for significant leaks, for which customers provide proof of repairs and/or other appropriate documentation, total approximately $117,000 annually. Adding reductions for customers who see spikes in their bills but do not have such proof of repairs or other documentation showing evidence of significant leaks is projected to add approximately $25,000 in reductions to sewer revenues.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Phyllis Shaw, Deputy Director, Public Utilities
Vincent Morello, P.E., Director, Public Utilities
Chris O’Brien, Director, Public Safety