ULID FORMATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(2011 version, Metro Treatment Area)

The following questions have been raised during the formation of previous Utility Local Improvement Districts (ULIDs).  Valley View Sewer District has prepared this brochure in an effort to answer the following questions prior to the formation of a ULID.  If your questions are not answered after reading this information please contact the District at (206) 242-3236.

1. Question: How do I know my area needs sewers?
   Answer: Nothing is more basic to public health and disease prevention than vigilance and thoroughness of environmental sanitation. For most of the urbanized areas of King County there is no way of meeting these needs without a public sewer system. The District is the local tool to help you accomplish this goal.
   Some of the warning signs which may indicate the need for sewers include:
   • Your septic tank needs pumping more often then normal, even though your water consumption has not increased.
   • Excess dampness over the septic drain field area.
   • Unusual sewage odors in or around your house and yard.
2. Question: How is the project financed?
   Answer: The project is financed through the sale of municipal revenue bonds. The bonds are repaid by the assessment payments of property owners.
3. Question: How are assessments established?
   Answer: Prior to the formation hearing, preliminary engineering is performed to establish the estimated total project cost and the total assessments to be charged against the properties in the ULID. During the preliminary engineering work one or more construction plans are developed. These alternative plans are analyzed for their capability in providing service to the properties involved.
4. Question: How are assessments computed?
   Answer: In calculating the assessments for the properties, the following factors are taken into consideration: area; frontage on the sewer line; zoning; land use; and number of potential building sites.
5. Question: Will the final assessment be different from the preliminary (estimated) assessment?
   Answer: Generally, no. In most cases the project estimate, upon which the preliminary assessment is calculated, is sufficiently accurate. However, if the construction bids vary significantly from the construction estimates one of the following may occur:
   • If the construction bid is lower than the estimate calculated, the assessments may be reduced.
   • If the construction bid is higher than the estimate, and the additional cost is unacceptable to the District, the project may be redesigned and rebid.
6. Question: If the project is terminated by the District how can the project be reinstated?
   Answer: Once terminated, the entire ULID formation procedure must be reinstated. Since the normal reason for termination is excessive cost, the new ULID will not proceed until the project is redefined and assessments are re-computed.
7. Question: How are assessments paid?
   Answer: After an assessment roll hearing (with notice) the final assessments are confirmed and filed with King County. Property owners are then notified that the assessment has been filed and are given two methods by which to pay the assessment:
   • The first method is full payment in cash within 30 days of publication of the first notice. If so paid, no interest charges will be applied.
   • The second method allows the assessment to be financed over 15-20 years and collected by King County. The first installment will be due one year from the publication of the first notice. Each year one-fifteenth to one-twentieth of the principal amount, plus simple interest on the principal balance, will be due. The interest rate on the installments usually is 4.5% to 5.5%.
8. Question: Are there any government programs to assist a property owner in the payment of assessments and/or side sewer costs?
   Answer: Possibly, provided funds are available and the property owner qualifies. At this time, however, government assistance programs are limited. In the past, King County, with Housing and Urban Development funds, has had loan and/or grant programs to assist low income residents with side sewer costs. In addition, retired persons 62 years of age and older, or disabled persons, may defer payment on their assessment.
9. Question: What is the General Facilities Charge and the Metro Capacity Charge?
   Answer: The General Facilities Charge, currently $850.00 per unit, is due at the time that you choose to connect to sewers. This charge can be financed with the District.
   The Metro Capacity Charge, currently $6,240.96, is collected by King County/Metro for all new connections to sewers, and is due after you connect to sewers. It is billed directly by King County/Metro. You will have the option of payment in full, or finance with King County/Metro. This Charge does increase on a yearly basis.
   These are one time only charges.
10. Question: What is the monthly service charge after the project is completed?
    Answer: Residences within the ULID pay a monthly sewer service charge. At the time of this printing (March 2011) the charge for a single-family dwelling is $46.10 each month, billed bimonthly.
11. Question: When do I have to start paying the monthly service charge?
    Answer: When your property actually connects to sewers.
12. Question: What will happen to the streets and roads due to the sewer project?
    Answer: Any construction disturbance occurring to the roads due to sewer installation will be corrected to restore the roads to as good as, or better than, the condition prior to the sewer project.
13. Question: Where does the District install the stub to which the side sewer is connected?
    Answer: The District terminates construction at the property line or the edge of the easement. Prior to construction the District will provide a stub location request form to be filled out by the property owner, and where possible, an effort is made to install the stub at the owner's requested location. A stub may be located so that it can serve two adjoining properties.
14. Question: What construction is the property owner's responsibility after the District has constructed the main lines?
    Answer: The property owner must install the side sewer from the District's stub at the property line to the outlet from the residence and is responsible for the cost of the side sewer. The side sewer may be installed by the property owner or by a District approved side sewer contractor.
    A side sewer permit must be obtained from the District by the owner or the side sewer contractor and the side sewer installation must be inspected and approved by the District. The side sewer permit will cost $100.00.
15. Question: Can I install a side sewer to be used by both myself and my neighbor?
    Answer: Yes, property owners sometimes share the cost and install a common side sewer. This requires a Joint-Use Sewer Easement and Maintenance Agreement to be executed between the neighbors. This standard agreement is available at the District office at no additional charge other than the nominal King County recording fee.
    If you have any further questions or any circumstances which are unique to your property you may contact the District at (206) 242-3236.

PROCEDURE SCHEDULE

Cost to connect to sewers for a typical residential lot
(Includes: assessment, side sewer connection, GFC*, metro charge**)

*General Facilities Charge
** metro charge not collected prior to 1991. Currently $6,240.96.