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Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code to Comply with the State of California’s Water <br />Shutoff Protection Act <br />May 21, 2024 <br />Page 3 <br />4 <br />2 <br />5 <br />9 <br />urban and community water systems must observe the following requirements and <br />limitations for water shutoffs: <br />•Adopt a written policy on the discontinuation of water service that is compliant <br />with the Act <br />•Post the water shutoff policy on the system’s website <br />•Refrain from shutting off water service for nonpayment for at least 60 days after <br />the billing due date and follow the specified procedures when pursuing water <br />shutoffs. The procedures include, but are not limited to, providing notice in <br />advance of any shutoffs for nonpayment, offering an appeals process for <br />residents to contest a planned shutoff, and the ability to arrange for alternate <br />payment schedules or other means of accommodating financial hardship <br />•Refrain from shutting off water service in certain specified conditions, such as a <br />serious threat to life or health and safety of residents with severe financial <br />hardship <br />A written policy regarding water shutoffs was already posted to the City’s website on <br />February 1, 2020 and an amended version will be posted on July 1, 2024. In addition to <br />the policy, it is necessary to update the City’s Municipal Code to be compliant with the <br />Water Shutoff Protection Act and to permit the City to resume enforcement actions for <br />nonpayment of water bills. The requested amendment will explicitly define the due date, <br />clarify transfer of responsibility, and lay out the procedure for notifying delinquent <br />residential accounts. <br />The Water Shutoff Protection Act does not impact water shutoffs due to circumstances <br />other than nonpayment. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the ordinance. <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. All administrative fees and charges <br />are collected through the City’s municipal utility billing services. <br />EXHIBITS <br />1. Ordinance <br />Submitted By: Kathryn Downs, FMSA Executive Director <br />Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, Acting City Manager