CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: February 13, 2024
Agenda Date: March 26, 2024
Prepared By: Jessica Dovale, Utility Support Service Manager
Through: Rebecca Bowman, Finance Director
Requested Action:
title
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Cocoa and CSWR-Florida Utility Operating Company (CSWR) for the billing and servicing of wastewater utility records and the collection and remittance of utility receipts. End
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Cocoa provides billing and collection services to other local jurisdictions for their customer accounts (i.e. sewer, reclaimed water, etc.). The City provides these services to other governmental entities and two private contractors through formal agreements that memorize the terms and conditions of the services to be provided, including current rate charges and the City’s fee for providing these services.
In 2004, the City contracted with SunLake Estates Homeowners Association, Inc. (SunLake) to provide for the billing of SunLake’s sanitary sewer service charges on Cocoa’s regional utility bill. This contractual service began in May 2004 and recently was terminated, at SunLake’s request, when SunLake sold the wastewater utility to CSWR on December 28, 2023. The City discontinued billing their private sewer customers at this time.
CSWR is a small private sewer utility that provides sewer service to a small subdivision in the unincorporated Brevard County servicing approximately 281 locations. CSWR is regulated by the Public Service Commission and has the ability to issue their own wastewater billing. However, they have requested the City of Cocoa continue the billing of their sewer service on Cocoa’s regional utility bill.
CSWR has also requested the agreement contain the option for CSWR to buy those meter readings that are attached to approximately 281 locations in the future should they choose to move their billing in-house. If this option was exercised at some future date, Cocoa would provide approximately 281 water meter readings monthly, that are already obtained by Field Service for water utility billing, in an electronic file to CSWR. CSWR would use these readings to calculate, prepare, and mail a separate wastewater bill to their customers. Cocoa would not provide any other support to CSWR where it relates to disconnects for non-payment, customer outreach, billing, etc.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONNECTION:
N/A
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
The City Collects approximately $4,000 annually for Billing Services for Sunlakes Estates
Account Number 001-0000-343.37-12
Account Name Water Billing Services / SunLake
PREVIOUS ACTION:
On May 11, 2004 Council entered into an agreement with SunLake Estates Homeowners Association, Inc. for sanitary sewer service charges.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Cocoa and CSWR-Florida Utility Operating Company (CSWR) for the billing and servicing of wastewater utility records and the collection and remittance of utility receipts. nd