11-125 - Water rates — File 213869

1 CITY OF SOMERVILLE ORDINANCE NO. 2022- IN THE CITY COUNCIL: ___________, 2022 Be it ordained by the City Council, in session assembled, that Chapter 11, Article V, Division V., Section 11-125(a), is hereby amended, as highlighted in the tracked changes below: Sec. 11-125. Water rates and base charges. (a) Established. Water rates and base charges for water use shall be established by the superintendent of the water and sewer department, subject to the approval of the mayor and city council. Prior to setting the water rates and base charges, the superintendent shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed rates and charges no later than May 15 of any given year with notice of any new rates or charges provided to the city council at least 14 days prior to the public hearing. Any proposed new rates and charges shall be provided to the city council on or before June 1 for its review and approval. Rates set may be adjusted, subsequent to initial approval by the superintendent with the approval of the mayor and city council, without the necessity of a public hearing, to reflect any changes in any charge assessed to the city by any governmental body or agency of the commonwealth. If any such adjustment results in a lower rate than previously set, the new rate shall take effect immediately upon approval by the mayor and city council. If such adjusted rate is higher than otherwise set, the new rate shall take effect no sooner than 30 days after approval by the mayor and city council. Except as otherwise authorized by the City Council, fFailure to hold a public hearing or provide the proposed rates and charges to the board for its review on or before June 1 as required above shall prohibit the city from increasing rates and charges. APPROVED: President City Council Mayor