This presentation is for the Council's information and no decisions will be made at the meeting.  

Chapter 26 of the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) defines the policies related to water and wastewater service.  City staff has determined a need to modify portions of Chapter 26 to address several issues.

There are several "clean up" items that need to be addressed and are as follows:

• Stormwater.  In 2011, reimbursement conditions for stormwater were added to this section.  In 2015, many of them were removed but not all.  The modifications will delete all remaining references to stormwater.  The stormwater section of the BMCC will be modified in 2024 to include reimbursement.
• Annexation terminology: The annexation terminology used by the city has changed, so references within BMCC Chapter 26 were changed to reflect the new terminology.
• Definitions: There is an inconsistency between the definitions in the BMCC and the Water/Sewer Rules and Regulations that need to be corrected.
• Billing: The billing section of the chapter needs to be updated to reflect changes to billing procedures.

There are a few content related items that need to be updated as well:

• Backflow prevention needs to be added to the BMCC.
• Reimbursement conditions need to be updated to reflect direction from the City Council.
• City staff's position on open ditches is in conflict with that section of the BMCC and should be updated after conversation with City Council.

The modifications were presented to the Budget and Finance committee on December 13, 2023.  The Budget and Finance Committee did give a recommendation of approval with a modification to the time for reimbursement payments.  The change will be presented to City Council.

Chapter 26 of the BMCC also requires that the City Administrator develop Water and Wastewater Rules and Regulations (Rules and Regs) to define procedures and practices in keeping with the policies established in BMCC Chapter 26.  The Rules and Regs will be updated after the City Council approves changes to the city code.  City staff will briefly present what those changes will entail.  

This presentation is for the Council's information and no decisions will be made at the meeting.

This presentation is for information only so there are no fiscal effects.