Reclaimed water rates

A. Unless otherwise provided herein, all consumers shall pay to the county the reclaimed water rates as set forth in the annual budget. B. There shall be three classes of consumers set forth in the annual budget: 1. Major agricultural consumers; 2. Agricultural consumers; and 3. All other consumers. C. To allow existing consumers to recover their retrofit costs, reclaimed water rates shall be one-half of the lesser of either the rates established in the annual budget, as amended from time to time, or (2) the existing consumer's avoided cost, as defined in section 20.30.030 , as annually reviewed and approved by the director at the time of connection as adjusted for inflation, if any, each year thereafter. D. The rate set forth in subsection C of this section for existing consumers shall continue until the cost to retrofit, as defined in section 20.30.030 , has been recovered by the existing consumer. Thereafter, the existing consumer shall pay to the county the lesser of either (1) the rates established in the annual budget, as amended from time to time, or (2) the existing consumer's avoided cost, as defined in section 20.30.030 , as annually reviewed and approved by the director at the time of connection and adjusted for inflation, if any, each year thereafter. E. Any existing consumer requesting to pay its avoided cost in lieu of the rates established in the annual budget shall cooperate fully and assist the director in a records audit and premises inspection to verify the consumer's expenses to operate and maintain its existing nonpotable irrigation system at the time of connection and adjusted for inflation, if any, each year thereafter. Any record of the consumer reviewed by the director pursuant to this section shall be kept strictly confidential to the extent permitted by law. F. Any decision by the director denying any existing consumer's request to pay its avoided cost in lieu of the rates established in the annual budget may be appealed by the consumer to the board of variances and appeals pursuant to the appeal procedures set forth in chapter 19.520 of this code. (Ord. 2564 § 3, 1997: Ord. 2525 § 1 (part), 1996)