Amend rules

Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:00 am

Amend rules

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND
THE RULES OF
NORTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT
PURSUANT TO W.S. 16-3-103, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors (Board) of Northwest Rural Water District (“District”) will consider taking action to amend its Rules and Regulations (the Rules) at a meeting of the Board on June 10th, 2025 at 6 p.m., in the Jim Mentock Board Room, 526 Stone Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414. The proposed amendments to the rules modify Articles 1 (Declarations), 2 (Definitions), 3 (Water Service), 4 (Fees), 5 (Accounting, Billing, Renters; Delinquent Accounts & Discontinuance of Service), Article 6 (Mainline Extension), 7 (Shortages), 8 (Cross Connections & Health Hazard Notification) and 9 (Powers of the District For Abandonment). The proposed amendments to Rules are posted online at the District’s website nrwdcodywy.com, and are available at the District’s main office at 526 Stone Street, Cody, Wyoming, 82414.
The proposed Rule changes include the following:
Article 1 (Declarations): The amendment authorizes the Board to appoint and supervise a Manager to oversee operations of the District, and modifies the purpose and goals of the District.
Article 2 (Definitions): The amendments add a new definition for the term “Domestic Service” to include household uses for drinking, culinary and sanitary purposes. The amendments modify the definitions of the terms “flushing / fire hydrant”, “mobile home park”, “multi-family dwelling”, “overnight campground”, “petition for inclusion / exclusion”, “point of use”, “point of use fee”, and “water tap contract” / “water service agreement”. The amendments eliminate definitions for the terms “residential domestic service”, “temporary water user”.
Article 3 (Water Service): The proposed amendments eliminate exceptions to the rule that no tap may be used to provide water to property unless the property has a contract with the District. The amendments also eliminate exceptions which allow water to be sold or shared with other water users. The amendments state that the District may disconnect service to subdivisions or buildings when connections do not meet District standards. The amendments clarify that the District will determine the location of meters, and the required equipment users may install.
Article 4 (Fees): The proposed amendments allow the Board to establish and amend rates and fees by resolution. The proposed amendments state that the District has discretion to determine the location of the meter pit and service line, and to relocate its infrastructure.
Article 5 (Accounting, Billing Renters, Delinquent Accounts & Discontinuance of Service): The proposed amendment allows the District to bill an account which has been idle for at least six months without any construction. The amendments clarify when the District may discontinue service for non-payment or for failure to comply with rules, and what fees must be paid to re-connect service. The amendments define when the District may decline or refuse service.
Article 6 (Main Line Extensions): The proposed amendments clarify the requirements, including the costs and fees users must pay to extend a main water line.
Article 7 (Shortages): The proposed amendments make minor wording changes to define the limits of the District’s responsibility for interruptions of service.
Article 8 (Cross Connection & Health Hazard Notification): The proposed amendment requires a user to file backflow certification with the District annually.
Article 9: (Powers of District For Abandonment): The proposed amendment eliminates the rules for abandonment of water lines by the District. The amendments modifies the number of months (from 24) that a tap must be inactive or delinquent to be considered abandoned. The amendments clarify the process for requesting a hearing before the board regarding an abandonment.
The proposed amendments eliminate the rate and fee schedule from the rules, as they will be adopted by the board by resolution. The amendments modify the requirements and recommendations for water use service connections.
The District has complied with W.S. 9-5-304, and determined that there are no constitutional implications as described by that law. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the assessment of the proposed rule pursuant to W.S. 9-5-304 at 526 Stone Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414.
Interested parties may attend the meeting of the Board of Directors of the District occurring at six o’clock p.m. on the 10th day of June, 2025, in the Jim Mentock Board Room, at 526 Stone Street, Cody, Wyoming, 82414, and present their views, comments, objections or requested changes to the proposed amendments to the rules. The District will also receive public comments on the proposed amendments to the rules on 13 May, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Jim Mentock Board Room. All interested persons may, in addition, submit data, views or objections orally or in writing to the District at the above meetings, or in writing at 526 Stone Street / nrwd@nrwdcodywy.com prior to 10 June, 2025. The Board of Trustees of the District intends to act on these rules at its meeting on June 10th, 2025 at 6 p.m..
Dated this 8th day of April, 2025.
NORTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT
By: PATTI UMPHLETT, Chairman
ATTEST:
JOSH SHORB, Secretary