(k) “Public Utilities” means all utilities owned, operated, or managed by the Spokane Indian Tribe or
its designated authority on and for the Spokane Indian Reservation.
(l) “Regulation” means a rule of law or procedure duly adopted by the Utility Authority for purposes
of implementing the requirements of this Code.
(m) “Shall” is mandatory; “may” is permissive.
(n) “Tribal Community,” for the purposes of this Code, means, but is not necessarily limited to,
enrolled Spokane Tribal Members.
(o) “Utilities Services” means those basic services necessary for supporting residential and
commercial development, including, but not limited to, water, sewer and garbage collection.
(p) “Utility Department” means the governmental department of the Spokane Indian Tribe
authorized to operate the utility services provided by the Tribe.
(q) “Vendor” means any individual firm, contractor or organization who supplies parts, equipment,
supplies and/or services to the Utility Department.
Section 33-3 Utility Department and Utility Authority
33-3.01 Establishment of Utility Department. There is hereby established the Spokane Tribal Utility
Department having the responsibility for operating and maintaining the Tribal public utilities directly or by
contract.
Legislative History-Enacted, 09/24/92, Resolu. 1991-472A; Readopted 8/01/06, Resolu. 2006-524.
33-3.02 Utility Authority. There is hereby established the Spokane Tribal Utility Authority to serve as the
advisory, administrative and management authority for the Spokane Tribal Utility Department.
Legislative History-Enacted, 09/24/92, Resolu. 1991-472A; Readopted 8/01/06, Resolu. 2006-524.
33-3.03 Utility Authority - Operating Organization.
(a) The Utility Authority shall operate as a subordinate unit of Tribal government independent in its
daily operation, but responsible to the Tribal Council for its actions.
(b) The methods of appointment, terms of office, and operating procedures of the Utility Authority
shall be set forth in this Code and in regulations adopted by the Utility Authority.
Legislative History-Enacted, 09/24/92, Resolu. 1991-472A; Readopted 8/01/06, Resolu. 2006-524.
33-3.04 Utility Authority - Powers and Responsibilities.
(a) The Utility Authority shall manage the public utilities of the Tribe, and obtain and disburse funds
as required for operation, maintenance, and expansion of the Tribal public utilities.
(b) To fulfill these responsibilities, the authority shall have the power to:
(1) Levy and collect reasonable fees for utility services, including but not limited to, monthly
service charges, connection fees, penalties, construction permits, and other assessments
deemed necessary by the Utility Authority and approved by the Tribal Council.
(2) Provide for the hiring and compensation of appropriate management and maintenance
personnel.
(3) Adopt appropriate regulations to implement the requirements of the Code.
(4) Authorize disbursement of funds for operation, maintenance and repair of utility
services.
(5) Contract with vendors and contractors to assure the safe and reliable services are
available to and utilized by the residents of the Spokane Indian Reservation.
(6) Authorize investment of Utility Department funds.
(7) Impose sanctions on customers in accordance with Section 33-8.04 of this Code.
Legislative History-Enacted, 09/24/92, Resolu. 1991-472A; Readopted 8/01/06, Resolu. 2006-524.
33-3.05 Utility Authority-Membership.
(a) The Utility Authority shall be composed of 5 persons appointed by the Tribal Council. 1 person
shall be selected from the Tribal Council, and 4 persons selected from the general Tribal
community.
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Revised Spokane Law & Order Code, 5/14/2013