Council advances sewer and water code changes to second reading, defining billing language and discount eligibility

During the Feb. 23 meeting the council reviewed two code amendments on first reading and voted to move both to a second reading at the next meeting. Ordinance 1614 clarifies language in the municipal code about sewer charges and permit-holder billing (cited permit holders include Pacific Seafoods, Bendixson's Landings and Southbend Products); presenters said the change aligns language with audit requirements and does not change the existing rates that have been in place since Jan. 1.

Ordinance 1615 updates water‑side code language and explicitly defines the city’s existing sliding‑scale discount (5%–40%) for eligible single‑family households, with eligibility tied to annually updated poverty guidelines. Councilors said the amendments were requested to satisfy auditors and to ensure consistent application. Both ordinances were moved to a second reading by unanimous vote; no final adoption occurred at the meeting.

Council members indicated that the changes were primarily editorial or definitional to match billing practices and auditing expectations rather than new rate increases. Staff noted the ordinances will return for formal adoption at the second reading.