Woodland council directs staff to draft ordinance allowing nonprofits to suspend irrigation billing

Woodland — Council members directed city staff to draft an ordinance that would let nonprofit organizations suspend billing for irrigation meters when the city disconnects service, following a workshop discussion and comments from a nonprofit representative.

At the workshop, Riley (staff member) summarized the proposed change to Woodland Municipal Code section concerning notice of nonuse, saying the draft removes the existing 90-day cap because “irrigation meters are usually inactive for a longer period of time than that.” The proposed language presented to council would let a nonprofit that notifies the water department in advance avoid charges for usage and base rates while the meter is disconnected; the organization would still be charged the service interruption fee “as specified in the fee resolution.”

The change grew from a January review of how the city treats nonuse of irrigation meters. Mary Ripp, who identified herself as representing the Holter Clager Lilac Gardens, told council her site’s irrigation had been off for more than a year and asked how the city could stop billing the garden for roughly $280 a month. Ripp said she had discussed the issue with staff and welcomed the proposed amendment.

Riley told Ripp the current code had previously been interpreted not to allow nonprofit irrigation suspensions and recommended she apply now for the existing 90-day suspension so charges could stop immediately; staff would then add the organization to the extended suspension once the ordinance is adopted. Riley said he had “no toolbox” to retroactively forgive charges and that any backdating would be up to legal counsel.

After public comment, a council member stated, “I would give you direction to continue forward with that,” and another voice seconded the motion. Council indicated the ordinance would return for a first reading at the Feb. 18 council meeting.

The proposal includes two administrative safeguards that Riley emphasized: the water department must perform the physical disconnect to prevent continued billing for leaks on a customer’s side of the meter, and the city will apply the service-interruption fee per the fee schedule when reconnecting service.

If adopted, the change would alter how the city bills nonprofit organizations with dedicated irrigation meters; it does not alter billing rules for general utility meters. The council did not vote to adopt an ordinance at the meeting — it provided direction to staff to draft the ordinance and schedule a first reading.

Mary Ripp and Riley both indicated they would follow up with staff on existing account handling and the immediate application of the existing 90-day suspension while the ordinance proceeds through readings.