The Freeport City Council on June 2 approved changes to the city's master fee schedule for water-related charges, including higher late and check-return fees and new tampering and replacement charges tied to recently installed smart meters.

City staff said the smart meters reveal when disconnected accounts are later reconnected, creating new enforcement and cost-recovery needs. The council approved the amendments unanimously.

Finance staff described the specific changes: the returned-check fee will increase from $25 to $30, the flat late fee will change to 10% of the outstanding balance or $10 — whichever is greater — and three new tampering-related fees will be added. The proposed fees are $100 for unauthorized reconnection, $150 for damage to the meter box, and full replacement cost for a damaged meter. Staff said the city may pursue code or legal action in addition to fees.

Miss Hurst, who presented the item, explained the change was prompted by observed meter reconnections after the city had remotely disconnected service: "With the smart meters, if that happens, then the city is aware instantly that it's been turned back on." She told council that the city had ordered numbered tags for Veolia crews to lock valves and track tampering.

Council members pressed staff on billing accuracy and the pace of system clean-up. A council member asked how long it would take to stabilize billing; staff said new processes and scanners for paper files were being implemented and that the department had become "fully staffed again" recently. Several members urged staff to finish resolving legacy billing errors before broad enforcement; others said theft of service harms paying customers and supported stronger penalties for tampering.

The motion to approve the amended fees and new tampering charges carried unanimously. Staff said revenues from any collected charges would protect the city's investment in the meter system and help recover replacement costs where needed.