Port Angeles adopts ordinance clarifying utility base-rate for properties with meters

Port Angeles — The Port Angeles City Council on Sept. 2 adopted an amendment to Municipal Code 13.16.010 that discontinues voluntary disconnection from city utilities for properties that already have meters on site (phase 1 of a two-phase program). City staff explained the ordinance change in the second reading. The amendment applies to properties that currently have installed meters ' including part-time residences, seasonally used properties, and vacant parcels with installed meters ' and clarifies that customers with an active meter will continue to be charged the utility base rate even if they are not consuming service. The ordinance maintains exceptions for emergency situations. A later second phase that would affect vacant properties that have never received service would require a separate council action and public notice. City staff explained that the ordinance implements a strategic plan objective to promote fairness across utility customers and to encourage conversion of underused properties. The city's utility charges are structured with a base connection rate (to cover the cost of being connected) and a consumption rate; the new language clarifies that the base rate applies to any parcel with an installed meter during phase 1. Staff said further policy changes for parcels without meters are under consideration and would return to council for later action. Councilmembers debated the measure and asked staff for clarifications about which parcels are included; staff and council agreed phase 1 applies to metered parcels and that the council could revisit the scope if needed. The ordinance passed unanimously on second reading.