Council gives first reading to sewer-class ordinance, sets ERU at 5,020 gallons

Mount Angel — The City Council gave the first reading to Ordinance 7 81, which amends municipal code section 15.2.091 to revise how the city assigns sewer-equivalent residential units (ERUs) for nonindustrial customers.

Tara (S5), the staff presenter, told the council staff and the city attorney used the water master plan to recommend a single ERU value of 5,020 gallons and said staff would use that number to calculate sewer ERUs for nonresidential accounts. "We would use that ERU to build a sewer based on their water usage," Tara said.

During discussion Tara offered a preliminary estimate of revenue impact. She said an initial calculation suggested a potential 22% figure but then corrected that assessment and told the council staff's calculation needed refinement; later in discussion staff characterized the likely impact on the affected commercial class as roughly 14% of total water revenue for that segment. Tara emphasized the number is an estimate: "It's the potential loss. Estimate... It's not for sure," she said.

Councilors asked about timing, whether the ERU would be fixed until the next rate study and how soon the change would take effect. Tara replied the city intends a five-year review cadence tied to water-rate studies and that the ordinance requires two readings; she said the ordinance would take effect 30 days after passage on second reading.

Councilor Hoefer moved and Councilor Astorga seconded to approve the first reading; the council read the ordinance title aloud and recorded aye votes. Staff said they will return with any refined revenue calculations and a second reading at the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will refine the ERU impact calculations, prepare the second-reading ordinance language and return to council for a final vote.