CHAPTER VI
UTILITY RATES AND FEES

SECTION 6.1 – Rate Classifications for Service

Where a rate distinction is made between various classes of service (i.e. residential and non-residential) the City shall generally attempt to classify the utility account by the categories listed below. It is possible to have multiple classifications for the same site depending on use.

a. Classifications of Service

• Residential. To include single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, mobile home trailers and condominiums and other similar residential dwellings. This shall not include group homes, nursing homes, and common areas of the described uses.
• Non- Residential/Business. To include stores, shops, offices, restaurants, schools, laundromats, dry-cleaning establishments, car washes, garages, service stations, rooming houses, dormitories, motels, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and processing plants and factories.
• Non- Residential/Interdepartmental. Shall include all uses directly controlled by City and owned by the City taxpayers.

b. Interpretation of Classifications.

When it is unclear what classification should be applied, the City of Hawarden (via the Public Works Director), shall, at it's sole discretion, determine the classification based on all available information, including but not limited to, the following:

1. Location of the service
2. Other services at the location
3. Most common use of the service
4. Similar uses by other customers and how those classifications were treated (precedent)
5. Quantity of usage of the service.
6. Whether the use is advertised as a business including business cards, phone book, etc.
7. Any other pertinent information

SECTION 6.2 Minimum System Support Charge Applicable.

The minimum system support charges provided for in this Chapter shall apply to every account holder, per unit or site, as applicable in which an active account/service is maintained, even though no actual usage is generated or metered for the location. This shall not apply to disconnected or closed accounts.

SECTION 6.3 Liens for Nonpayment

The amount of utility usage owed at a particular location shall constitute a lien upon that property served by the specific utility, where permitted by law. Such amount owed shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes, if payment is not made when due.