The Hutto City Council convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on city applications and the introduction of a new online utility portal, WaterSMART.

The meeting began with a call for community involvement, encouraging residents to apply for open positions within the city. Council members noted that while there are new applications, they will not be interviewing candidates unless a position becomes available.

Next, the council addressed the absence of the ISD subcommittee due to a holiday, which resulted in no updates from that group.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of WaterSMART, an innovative online utility portal designed to enhance customer engagement and streamline water usage monitoring. Utility Billing Manager Monica Burke highlighted the benefits of the new system, which utilizes an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that has been in place since 2015. This technology allows for real-time data collection and monitoring, enabling residents to track their water usage and receive alerts for leaks or high consumption.

Burke emphasized that the WaterSMART portal empowers residents by providing them with 24/7 access to their water usage data, customizable reports, and conservation tips. The new payment portal associated with WaterSMART also reduces processing fees from 4.25% to 2.7% and introduces various payment options, including e-checks, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Residents will need to re-register for the new portal to access these features, and Burke provided a step-by-step guide on how to do so. The council expressed enthusiasm about the positive feedback received from citizens, including one resident who reported that the system helped identify a significant water leak.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving utility services and engaging the community through new technologies. The council plans to continue monitoring the implementation of WaterSMART and its impact on residents' water management.