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Opelika water meters, county billing and a 19.1% sewer‑processing spike surface in budget workshop
Summary
Commissioners heard that many recently installed meters have failures or apparent tampering, the city is preparing to take over water billing operations in FY27, and wastewater processing charges from the county will rise about 19.1%, increasing the city’s FY26 wastewater bill roughly $600,000.
A sustained discussion at the July 15 budget workshop focused on water meters, who is responsible for broken or faulty devices, and an unexpectedly large county wastewater processing rate increase. Public works and finance staff described a recent series of customer complaints, an in‑house assessment of meter performance, and steps to hold Miami‑Dade (the county contractor referenced in the meeting) accountable for defective meters while preparing the city to assume water billing and collection.
Meter problems and accountability: Public works staff told commissioners they have begun an in‑house assessment after rising reports of high bills and suspected meter tampering. Commissioner Santiago told staff “I paid an $1,100 water bill,” and staff acknowledged individual high bills had prompted the review. Staff said some meters show leakage and premature battery failure; the county provided and installed the meters under the existing agreement and the city is compiling documentation to pursue replacements or remediation with the county.
Transition plans for billing and collections: Staff reiterated that a FY27 transition is planned to take over billing and collection functions from the county but said the city is not yet staffed or equipped to assume the full program. Public works staff said they will evaluate options — in‑house or outsourced — and present the commission with a recommendation that includes staffing, vehicle and equipment needs.
Sewer processing rate increase: Finance staff highlighted a sizable increase in the county wastewater processing rate for customers whose wastewater is treated by the county. Bob said the county’s proposed wastewater processing rate for next year is up by about 19.1%, which would raise the city’s sewer processing invoice by roughly $600,000 in FY26. Staff said the county’s increase applies across all customers that use county processing and urged commissioners to expect pressure on the utility fund; staff offered to share the county’s rate calculation with commissioners.
Ending: Staff will keep collecting meter data, pursue remedies with the county, finalize a staffing and cost estimate for a FY27 takeover option, and provide the commission with the county’s wastewater rate details and recommended next steps. No contract award or formal policy decision was made at the workshop.
