A. The City Council may, by resolution, adopt in the city unified fee schedule, a schedule of fees and charges for water service.

B. In addition to the rates set forth by Council resolution, there shall be charged an additional amount equal to the amount of any tax levy for the supplying of water service on the water utility, which amount shall be part of the total water bill payable by the water user.

C. All residential and commercial users outside the city shall pay, in addition to the rates set forth, an amount equal to 50 percent of their total water charges.

D. On January 1st of each year, the fees and charges for water services set by Council resolution shall be indexed annually by the Treasurer to reflect 100 percent of any change from the Consumer Price Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue-All Urban Wage Earners (CPI-U) for the previous October, or other comparable index if not published. The Treasurer shall adjust the fees and publish them each December to take effect on all goods and services delivered or contracted after the beginning of each year. In no event shall the change in rates be less than zero percent in any given year. Unit prices and all other charges shall be to the nearest cent.

E. In addition to the adjustment listed in subsection (D) above, Council may increase water rates if, in Council’s sole discretion, an increase is necessary to improve the water system. (Ord. 3059 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2961 § 2, 2015; Ord. 2846, 2011; Ord. 2785, 2008: Ord. 2778, 2008: Ord. 2460 § 1, 1998)