Sanitary Sewer Connection Fees Policy For Existing Households
(Policy No. BL-9)
In order to enhance public health and environmental protection through the connection of existing residences to public sanitary sewer this policy is enacted.
This policy shall apply to any single-family residence that, at the time this policy goes into effect, is occupied and is not connected to public sanitary sewer. At such time as Hartselle Utilities sanitary sewer becomes available to that residence, (the public sewer bounds the property on either side of a public right of way or utility easement), the following terms and conditions shall apply:
1. Hartselle Utilities will waive the sewer tap fee.
2. Hartselle Utilities will finance the cost of installing the service line and any plumbing modifications necessary in order to connect the residence to the public sewer. If a grinder pump or septic tank effluent pump and force main service line are necessary to connect the residence to the public sewer, the cost of the pump and force main are also eligible for financing.
3. Financing for the items listed in no. 2, above, will be for up to 60 months. Repayment will be placed on the applicant(s) utility bill in equal installments, up to 60 (sixty), 1 (one) per month and will be subject to Hartselle Utilities’ bill payment requirements and applicable penalties.
4. The financing interest rate will be the Hartselle Utilities’ lost investment opportunity rate plus 2 (two) percent.
5. Financing shall be through completion by the applicant of an appropriate UCC-1 Financing Statement for the protection of Hartselle Utilities’ rate payers/customers.
6. Hartselle Utilities will NOT be responsible for the installation, repair, replacement or maintenance of the service line or pump (if applicable). The installation of these items will be performed by others under contract with the homeowner, and under the authority of the City Building Inspector. If a pump is required, the operating characteristics of the pump must meet Hartselle Utilities requirements in order to insure successful operation with Hartselle Utilities’ receiving sewer line.
7. For all residence connected to the public sewer, all connection to the existing onsite treatment system shall be severed and plugged to prevent the entry of all surface and underground water into the public sewer.
8. Approved customer costs (as listed above) will be disbursed to the homeowner and contractor jointly after the following have been provided to Hartselle Utilities:
• Notification of inspection and acceptance by the City of Hartselle building inspector of customer’s service line and any plumbing modifications or other installations necessary to connect the residence to the public sewer.
• A contractors’ invoice for the cost of connecting the residence to the public sewer, bearing the homeowner’s written acceptance, presented to Hartselle Utilities by the homeowner.
9. The minimum amount per customer for financing is $500.00 and the maximum is $3,000, without the Board’s prior approval.
10. In the event the property is sold the loan will become due and payable in full.
Effective Date : July 21, 2003 Adopted By Board : July 21, 2003