Audit of Belfair sewer ERUs finds 55‑ERU net difference; staff to adjust accounts and notify customers

Utility Waste staff reported to commissioners on a recent audit of Belfair sewer equivalent residential units (ERUs) and recommended account adjustments to better align commercial accounts with actual water usage.

Staff said they reviewed 465 customer accounts and matched Belfair Water District water usage to sewer ERU calculations. The audit identified about a 55‑ERU net difference across commercial accounts: some customers were paying for more ERUs than usage warranted and others were under‑assessed. The county used Belfair Water District 2023–2024 water usage as the basis for calculations.

Staff estimated that changing ERU assignments to reflect actual usage would produce an approximate $70,000 increase in annual revenue. The county has drafted letters to notify affected account holders and proposed implementing the changes when new 2026 rates take effect. Staff also said they will recheck accounts for 2025 usage to catch material changes before finalizing adjustments.

Discussion vs. action: commissioners discussed frequency of audits and appeals process. Staff said they will perform reviews every two to three years and will re‑review accounts if customers provide additional information. No formal vote was taken at the briefing; staff will send notices and schedule the account updates for implementation with the next rate cycle.