Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selma adopts drought contingency plan with enforceable restrictions and fines
Summary
The Selma City Council unanimously adopted ordinance 121,224 to implement a drought contingency plan establishing response stages, restrictions on certain water uses, variance procedures and penalties up to $200 per day; staff said the ordinance satisfies a state water-code requirement and the city will notify residents.
The Selma City Council on Dec. 12 adopted ordinance 121,224, a drought contingency plan that sets criteria for initiating and ending drought-response stages, restricts certain water uses, provides variance procedures and establishes penalties of up to $200 per day per violation.
Staff explained the ordinance is intended to satisfy a state water-code requirement and to give the city formal procedures for managing supply and demand during drought conditions. Wyatt and other staff outlined that the plan defines drought severity levels and the city’s response options and enforcement measures.
Council members asked whether the city would notify residents when restrictions are enacted; staff said the city will send information to the public. A council member asked whether the document could be amended in the future; staff said changes could be driven by state law but that the council retains discretion to modify the plan as appropriate, with legal staff review.
The ordinance includes a mechanism for variances and sets an enforcement penalty of up to $200 per day, with each day constituting a separate violation. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote after a motion on the floor.
