HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpposing Water Company Surcharges i __ H. x+ (t: ol tr! rt CI p 70 �
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM -I iJ
CITY OF PALM DESERT I �i
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TO: CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER } j ;51 ..
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FROM: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MANAGER 1 Otli
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SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OPPOSING WATER COMPANY SURCHA E I ✓ 'd0
DATE : AUGUST 22 , 1991 01 i \
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Recommendation: orl
By minute motion , defer the passage of subject resoti n
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Background: of
Many California water districts are encouraging consume s to
reduce water consumption due to the State drought conditions . As
water consumption is reduced due to participation in the
conservation program, the water districts are adding a surcharge
to make-up lost profits from the reduced sale .
Staff agrees that citizens using water volumes in excess should
be penalized and that taxing people for using less water , through
a surcharge, is wrong. We believe voluntary water conservation
compliance should be rewarded rather than penalized .
Staff discussed the surcharge concept with Tom Levy, General
Manager/Chief Engineer of the Coachella Valley Water District .
CVWD has no intention of adding such a surcharge in the Coachella
Valley . Moreover , Palm Desert staff is currently working on
developing a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The goal of
this ordinance is to promote water conservation through the use
of water efficient landscape and irrigation improvements .
Approximately 75% of water in our area is utilized on landscaped
areas . This ordinance will encourage economic incentives for
existing water efficient design and future installations . A
draft of this ordinance will be brought to the Council in October
1991 .
At this time , staff recommends deferring this resolution as CVWD
has indicated no desire to initiate a surcharge and our City can
focus on the future of a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance .
REVIEWED AND CONCUR:
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JOHN M . `GIOHLMUTH B'":ArA . ALTMAN
CITY MANAGER