Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 29, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Ed Torres, M.S, P.E., LEED AP, Director, Utilities
CONTACT: Glenn Kramer, Manager, Fiscal and Operational Support Division
PHONE: 407-254-9882
DIVISION: Fiscal and Operational Support Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners superseding Exhibit B of Resolution No. 2009-M-29 and Exhibit B of Resolution No. 2022-M-24 regarding setting a revised Preliminary Water and Reclaimed Water Meter Charge Schedule; superseding the existing Water Meter Charge Schedule and Reclaimed Water Meter Charge Schedule; providing for periodic review; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. All Districts. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: The County’s Water and Reclaimed Water rate resolutions include charge schedules for meter installations. These charges are paid predominantly by developers as they connect new construction to our water and reclaimed water systems. As they have not been updated since 2009, they no longer recover the cost of the new meters nor the cost to install them.
Chapter 153, Florida Statutes, requires the County to approve most rate changes in two steps. The County must first adopt a resolution setting forth a preliminary charge schedule followed by the adoption of the final charge schedule at a separate public hearing. The attached resolution includes the revised Preliminary Water and Reclaimed Water Meter Charge Schedule which has been combined into one schedule; as most of the meter installation charges are duplicated in the existing Water and the Reclaimed Water rate resolutions, there was no need to keep the two schedules separate. Additionally, once adopted at the public hearing, the final charge schedule will supersede the separate charge schedules in the previously adopted Water and Reclaimed Water rate resolutions. All other sections of those existing rate resolutions will remain unchanged and in effect.
As mentioned above, the second step is to hold a public hearing for final adoption of the updated charge schedule, which will be duly noticed and scheduled for January 7, 2025. At this public hearing, we will present details of the analysis of the revised meter installation charges.
The Orange County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the resolution and finds it acceptable as to form. Utilities Department staff recommends approval.
BUDGET: N/A