ADOPTED 08/03/1998

WHEREAS, the Department of Water and Sewerage Services has some of the highest water and sewer rates of other cities in the country; and

WHEREAS, it is difficult to compare rates for water and sewer services, as various systems are financed and operated with different revenue sources and have different requirements in complying with health and Clean Water Act provisions; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that Water Services Employees have made progress in reducing costs and increasing efficiency, and employees and managers indicate that further strides can be made; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the residents of Davidson County and all customers serviced by our system to have rates for our customers that are as low as feasible, while still maintaining a responsible improvement program and a high level of service to the customers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan Vice Mayor is hereby requested to appoint a task force to propose a plan to the Metropolitan Council which would result in reduction of rates while continuing to maintain a high level of service from the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Services Department.

The task force shall seek information from all interested parties and shall consider all options relative to the management and operation of the department. The task force shall hold a public hearing to assure that all interested parties have access and an opportunity to present their views to the task force. The task force shall consider other systems that are comparable to that of Metropolitan Government, based upon service provided, sources of water, abatement programs, sole revenue based debt service and operation, number of customers, and size of area serviced.

That in addition to maintaining a high level of service, such plan should assure that there will be no violation of the Clean Water Act or other applicable regulations, and that the capital improvement program of the Department of Water and Sewerage Services will continue in a timely and fiscally responsible manner and that the role and contributions of current employees are respected. Such task force, after its appointment, shall file a report with the Metro Council with the detailed plan within one hundred and twenty (120) days.

SECTION 2. This task force shall be composed of representatives of all classes of rate payers of the system, employee representatives of the Water and Sewerage Services Department, other concerned parties and citizens, independent finance professionals, and other members as deemed necessary by the Vice Mayor.

SECTION 3. The following departments shall designate one individual to serve as a liaison with the task force to assist in obtaining and providing necessary information and research:

• Office of the Mayor
• Department of Finance
• Department of Law
• Department of Water and Sewerage Services

The Metropolitan Clerk shall provide necessary staff to the task force to assist in taking of minutes and production of the report.

SECTION 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Vice-Mayor.

SECTION 5. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: Chris Ferrell