§ 20.608. Utility connection charges.

(1)

Establishment of Water and Sewer Connection Charges. There are connection charges for each connection made to the County water and sewer system. The connection charges shall be paid before any connection is made. The payment shall be made in a lump sum; however, if the connection is to an existing dwelling, it may be paid plus interest and service charges in installments over a period not to exceed five years. Potential public water and sewer system users shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this subtitle prior to connection to the water or sewer system.

(2)

Basis of Recommendations for Water and Sewer Connection Charges. The basis for water and sewer connection charges is as follows:

(a)

For connections applied for by a property owner after August 13, 2007 in accordance with subsection 18.104(b) of this Code, the charges shall be based on administrative costs and the cost of inspecting;

(b)

The charges shall be based on the average cost of making connections during the fiscal year, plus an amount for anticipated increased costs of making connections in subsequent fiscal years for water and sewer connections applied for by a property owner:

(i)

After August 13, 2007 and constructed under a Howard County capital project; and

(ii)

On or before August 13, 2007 in accordance with subsection 18.104(c) of this Code; and

(c)

For mandatory water and sewer connections as required by section 18.104A, the charges shall be based on administrative costs and the cost of inspection and, if the connection is made by the Department, the charge shall include subcontractor costs for construction and inspection.

(3)

Annual Adoption of Water and Sewer Connection Charges:

(a)

At the time of submission of the annual budget and appropriation ordinance to the County Council, the County Executive shall recommend water and sewer connection charges.

(b)

At the time of adoption of the annual budget and appropriation ordinance, the County Council shall adopt, by resolution, water connection charge rates and sewer connection charge rates for the upcoming fiscal year. These charges shall be established at such a rate as to raise sufficient revenue to cover the annual costs of making all water and sewer connections. The charges shall be uniform throughout the metropolitan district.

(4)

The Director may charge a fee for connecting to the reclaimed water system that shall be adopted by the County Council in the same manner as water and sewer connection charges.

(C.B. 38, 1998; C.B. 26, 2007, § 2; C.B. 27, § 2)