A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services to reconsider eliminating the "sprinkler adjustment" for customers who use additional water during the warmer months for watering lawns and gardens, and filling swimming pools.

WHEREAS, § 15.44.050 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws provides that the Water Department may, at its discretion, approve a method for estimating the amount of water diverted from the public sewer system; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services recently decided to modify their policy that provided an adjustment to the sewer bill for customers using additional water during the warm months for watering their lawns and gardens; and

WHEREAS, providing such a sprinkler adjustment in accordance with § 15.44.050 is appropriate since the water that is used for watering lawns and gardens does not enter the sewer system; and

WHEREAS, homeowners in Davidson County are an essential part of the tax base of the Metropolitan Government, and are currently feeling the effect of the substantial property tax increase that was imposed last fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that this change in policy will cause an average increase of $176 to more than 29,000 homeowners; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Department of Water and Sewerage Service reverse its decision to implement this change in policy that would eliminate the sprinkler adjustment.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services to reconsider eliminating the "sprinkler adjustment" for customers who use additional water during the warmer months for watering lawns and gardens, and filling swimming pools.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Scott Potter, the Director of the Department of Water Services.

Section 3. That 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: Parker Toler, Diane Neighbors, Rip Ryman, Jim Gotto, Jim Forkum, Buck Dozier, Charlie Tygard, Michael Craddock, Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, Greg Adkins, Carl Burch, Harold White, J. B. Loring, Adam Dread, Billy Walls, Edward Whitmore