Pueblo West staff clarify meter removal, readiness-to-serve and service-line repair billing

Pueblo West staff clarified billing questions raised by directors about the district’s service-line repair program, readiness-to-serve (RTS) fees, and options for customers who temporarily discontinue water service or request meter removal.

During the work session a director said residents had questions about a charge on the water bill that appeared similar to an insurance fee; staff clarified the billing label will reflect the service-line repair program (not “insurance”) and that accounting will keep the fee separate for annual reporting. Directors discussed examples including deployed military personnel or tradespeople who leave the home for an extended period and asked whether customers who have their meter removed would continue to be billed RTS or be required to reapply for service.

Staff said a customer may request water be shut off and the meter removed for an extended absence and must pay associated fees; if the meter is removed, billing stops during that time, including RTS fees (and sewer billing tied to meter reads will also stop). The board confirmed that purchase of a tap remains a separate matter from meter removal and that purchasing a tap does not negate prior tap payments.

Staff said they will be prepared to cover these scenarios at the board’s upcoming public meeting and that the district will provide clear guidance in the packet about the service-line repair program’s accounting, fees, and the operational implications when a meter is removed.