Pecos council tables reimplementation of yard‑meter program, seeks clearer cost estimates

The Pecos City Council on March 18 tabled consideration of reimplementing the yard‑meter program for the 2025 summer season and asked staff to return with additional pricing and licensing details.

Heather Ramirez, who presented the item as a utilities division staff member, reviewed the city's existing yard‑meter incentive: a reduced tap fee for a 5/8‑inch yard irrigation meter (presented as a reduction from $750 to $250), a waived deposit (noted as $75), and a waived permit fee (noted as $75). Ramirez said the program has had about 55 participants since February 2022.

The council’s questions focused on the backflow‑prevention requirement: staff said a backflow preventer must be installed and tested by a licensed tester and that testing and installation costs are paid by the homeowner. Council members asked whether city staff can perform the testing; staff said city employees cannot test devices for city customers because of a conflict of interest, though city personnel can be licensed to test for customers outside city limits. Council members also asked for a clearer estimate of plumbers’ charges and for materials explaining installation and testing steps.

Formal action: Councilman Arona moved and Councilwoman Seals seconded a motion to table the item until the next meeting; the motion carried.

Next steps: Staff will return with more detailed cost estimates, suggested language for customer information materials, and additional pricing options before the council votes on reimplementation.