Committee flags unusual water/sewer charges; asks staff to check well energy and usage

Committee members reviewing the bills packet flagged a large discrepancy in water utility charges between Well 2 and Well 3 and asked staff to investigate.

The packet showed Well 2 billed at a considerably higher energy/utility cost for the billing period while Well 3 showed substantially lower costs. Staff said Well 3 has recent equipment and control upgrades (variable frequency drives and SCADA communications) and that Well 2 had an older installation, which likely explains some differences; staff agreed to pull electrical-usage data and meter/pumping volumes for the relevant billing period (the packet covered the prior month’s billing).

Members also examined fixed-meter minimums (for the closed pool meter) and a voided check in the packet that reflected a credit netted against an outstanding invoice for fire-hydrant work. Staff explained the voided check accompanied a netting of a credit from a third party against an invoice and that the invoice expense remains on the books even though payment was netted.

No formal action was taken; staff agreed to report back with electrical usage and pumping volume data and to check the timing and scope of recent capital work on the wells.