Audit of Belfair sewer accounts finds ERU discrepancies; staff recommends changes that could raise revenues by about $70,000 a year
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Summary
Utility staff reported a review of 465 Belfair sewer accounts that identified about a 55‑ERU net change across commercial accounts; staff proposed updating ERU assignments and sending affected customers letters, with an estimated annual revenue increase of roughly $70,000.
County utility staff briefed commissioners on an internal audit of Belfair sewer accounts that compared billed Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) assignments to actual water usage.
Staff said they reviewed 465 customer accounts and identified roughly 32 commercial accounts with significant discrepancies between their assigned ERUs and water usage; when staff converted water usage to ERUs they calculated a net change of about 55 ERUs across the system. The audit used Belfair Water District metered usage for 2023–2024 and compared that to the code’s ERU definition (staff reported an ERU basis of 200 cubic feet per month in code during the discussion).
Utility staff estimated the resettlement of ERU assignments would increase annual sewer revenue by approximately $70,000. Staff said they drafted letters to affected customers and recommended implementing the account changes when new rates take effect in 2026. Staff also said they will repeat the analysis for 2025 usage to check for changes before finalizing account adjustments.
Commissioners asked whether the adjustments would occur periodically; staff replied they expect to perform this review at least every two to three years to keep ERU assignments aligned with usage.
No formal board action was recorded at the briefing; staff asked permission to proceed with customer notification and to apply changes in 2026.