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Houston County, cities update water‑system intergovernmental agreement; sets meter standards and extension review
Summary
The board approved an updated intergovernmental agreement with Centerville, Perry and Warner Robins to clarify when master‑meter wholesale rates apply, require minimum meter sizes for wholesale treatment and require return to the county for permission before system extensions beyond approved connections.
Houston County commissioners unanimously approved an updated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) governing regional water system management with the cities of Centerville, Perry and Warner Robins. The revised IGA clarifies when a connection qualifies for wholesale (master‑meter) rates, sets minimum meter requirements and requires additional review if developers extend service beyond originally approved phases.
Commissioners and public works staff said the revision responds to an increase in requests that look like “master meters” but principally serve single commercial customers. Under the new terms discussed at the meeting, a wholesale or master‑meter connection will generally require a 6‑inch meter and a 6‑inch main; smaller taps serving primarily a single business will be treated and billed as commercial customers rather than wholesale accounts.
“We don't view that as a master meter. ... we are trying to say that we don't think a single business is a wholesale water customer,” said a commissioner explaining the policy rationale. The county also will require developers to return for analysis and permission if they extend distribution beyond the scope of the initial connection so engineers can confirm adequate flow and pressure.
Commissioner Byrd moved approval and Commissioner Gotwals seconded; the motion carried unanimously. County staff said the changes are intended to preserve system capacity, ensure fair pricing and allow the county and its municipal partners to analyze impacts from phased development before allowing extended connections.
