COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

January 16, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 3, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Ordinance to Modify Fees and Rules for the County Maintained Sewer Districts

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 4.24 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code regarding Sewer Connections and Discharge of Waste Into the Sewer System.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

Adoption of this Ordinance will update the fees and policies related to sewer service. Individuals/ organizations doing business with the County will have clear direction on the fees and policies that apply.

BACKGROUND:

In 2002 the Board revised the fees associated with annexations, sewer connection and treatment capacity charges, and sewer inspection permits.

DISCUSSION:

In 2002 the Board last adopted changes to the fees and charges associated with the sewer/ sanitation districts governed by the Board of Supervisors. These fees have not kept pace

with the actual cost of providing the specific property owner requested services. The changes being proposed are consistent with the County’s policy to ensure that there is full cost recovery for services that are typically provided for a fee. The proposed fees were based on the actual costs associated with providing these services. These types of services are provided at the request of the property owner and these property specific costs are not supported through the sewer service charges. A summary of the fee changes is as follows:

Item

Old Fee

New Fee

Fee to annex property to a district

$800

$1,800

Sewer inspection permit

$100

$300

Inspection of sewer laterals installed without a permit

$200

$600

Sewer main extension permit

$150

$200 non refundable deposit plus actual cost of the service

Miscellaneous services

$150 non refundable deposit plus actual cost of the service

$200 non refundable deposit plus actual cost of the service

Plan reviews

Currently charged under miscellaneous services

$300 for residential parcels and $500 for non-residential parcels

Buy-Back Agreement

$500

$1,000 plus actual costs exceeding $1,000. $300 administrative fee for additional connections to a sewer main which is subject to a valid buy-back agreement

The Ordinance has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Sewer fees: For Fiscal Year 2007-08, Public Works did not recover sufficient revenue to cover the work performed by staff based on the existing fee structure. The recommended sewer fees will enable cost recovery for work performed by staff as requested by property owners in conjunction with providing sewer service to their property.

There will be no impact to the County’s General Fund as a result of this ordinance amendment.