HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/19/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (24) DATE: July 19, 2000
TO: City Council
FROM: Director of Finance and Treasurer
SEWER SERVICE CHARGES- FISCAL YEAR 2000-01
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Council, after conducting a public hearing on this matter, adopt a
resolution electing to have sewer service charges for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001
collected on the Riverside County property tax rolls, in accordance with the terms and
conditions of Ordinance No. 1111. The purpose of this action is to provide a more efficient
means of collecting sewer service charges.
BACKGROUND:
The majority of the City's sewer service accounts were first moved to the County's tax rolls in
fiscal year 1981-82. Prior to that year, each account was billed, and the payment processed,
Individually with the cost being absorbed by the City. The current system is a much more
efficient method of collecting these fees, and has greatly reduced the paperwork formerly
associated with their collection. Most of the costs associated with the billing of sewer service
charges have been eliminated by transferring the collection effort to the County. The problem
of uncollectible accounts has also been significantly reduced.
The procedure for placing these fees on the tax rolls requires that a public hearing be held on
the matter. A list of all properties that are affected is on file in the Finanoe Department. Upon
adoption of a resolution authorizing this manner of collection, the City will provide the
necessary information to the County Auditor-Controller.
The sewer service charge is not a tax, but a user fee. These fees pay for the operation and
maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Collection of the fees on the tax rolls Is much
simpler for the City, and generally,for the user as well.
APPROVED:
David H. Ready Thomas M. Kann• —�
City Manager Director of Finance and Treasurer
Attachment: 1. Resolution
.27. 4
RESOLUTION NO.
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
BILLING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
WHEREAS sewer service charge rates are established by resolution of the City Council
pursuant to Section 15.24.020 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS sewer service charge billing policies and procedures and sewer billing cycles are
established pursuant to Resolution 11123 of the City of Palm Springs; and
WHEREAS a sewer service charge billing policies and procedures study was made by the
Department of Finance; and
WHEREAS said study concluded with recommendations to City Council that, in the best
interest of the users and the City of Palm Springs, the collection of sewer service charges be
made a part of the assessments as authorized by Health and Safety Code Sections 5473, et
seq; and
WHEREAS the City Council has held a public hearing on the placement of sewer service
charges on the Property tax rolls for Fiscal Year 2000-01.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs as
follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby finds that the collection of the sewer service
charges on the tax roll in the same manner, at the same time and subject to the
same penalties as general taxes, is in the best interest of the users and the
City of Palm Springs.
Section 2. The laws applicable to the levy, collection and enforcement of general taxes
(including but no limited to delinquency, correction, cancellation, refund and
redemption) are applicable to such charges, except that if any real property to
which such charges relate has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide
purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been
created and attaches thereof, prior to the date on which the first installment of
such taxes would become delinquent, then the lien which would otherwise be
imposed shall not attach to such real property and the charges relating to such
property shall be transferred to the unsecured tax roll of collection.
Section 3. That the Council has caused to be prepared an itemized written report and bill
for each separate parcel of real property receiving sewer services which report
is on file in the office of the City Clerk and by this reference is made a part
hereof as though fully set forth herein.
Section 4. That the City Council does hereby adopt the written report of sewer service
charges itemized for each separate parcel of land.
OR C
Resolution No.
Page 2
Section 5. That the cost of sewer service for each parcel of real property as set out in the
report shall be a lien on such parcel of land, in accordance with the provisions
of this resolution, Health &Safety Code Section 5473.8, and Section 15.24.020
of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
Section 6. That certified copies of this resolution, together with said report and bill
attached thereto, shall be delivered to the Riverside County Auditor-Controller
on or before August 10, 2000 and shall be made a part of the tax rolls, all in
accordance with Section 5473 at seq. of the California Health & Safety Code
and other provisions of the law applicable thereto.
ADOPTED THIS day of , 2000
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED&APPROVED as to form