During a recent government meeting, officials addressed pressing concerns regarding water billing and meter management in the community. A significant topic of discussion was the installation and functionality of electronic meters (e-meters), which have been met with skepticism due to their perceived inefficiency.

One official raised concerns about the high percentage of \"no reads\" reported by the e-meters, indicating that manual readings are still necessary for many meters. This has led to questions about whether the current staffing levels for meter readers are justified, given the advancements in technology. The official noted that despite the introduction of e-meters, discrepancies in readings have persisted, necessitating manual checks.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted issues related to water billing complaints from residents, with some alleging overcharges. Officials discussed the potential for implementing a forgiveness program for customers facing high bills, suggesting that this could be a part of addressing the community's concerns about water rates.

The conversation also touched on the logistical challenges of acquiring new meters, with officials reporting delays in orders due to a nationwide shortage. They confirmed that orders placed last year are only now being fulfilled, which has contributed to the ongoing issues with meter availability and functionality.

In response to these challenges, officials emphasized the importance of including an audit clause in contracts related to water services, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters. The meeting underscored the need for a comprehensive review of the water billing system and meter management to better serve the community and address the growing concerns of residents.