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Council discusses meter-testing fee and security-deposit rules; asks staff to clarify ordinance language
Summary
Council debated whether a $100 meter-testing fee should be waived for meters found outside tolerance and discussed whether property owners or renters should bear security deposits; staff said changes would be significant and will review options.
During a first-reading session May 6 on amendments to codified ordinances (Ordinance No. 25‑O‑3291), council members questioned details of proposed changes to meter-testing fees and utility security deposits.
A council member asked whether the $100 fee in Section 10.42.12(f) would be waived if a meter is found to be out of tolerance or faulty; staff agreed the ordinance text should specify that a fee would be waived in that circumstance. The questioner requested the language be explicit so the intent is clear.
Council discussion then turned to security deposits for utility accounts. One council member asked whether deposits apply to renters only and argued the city should consider placing ultimate responsibility on property owners rather than tenants, saying owners benefit from the utility service and that shifting responsibility could protect ratepayers when a renter leaves without paying. Staff cautioned such a change would be "monumental" and would require broad legal and administrative review; staff said the city has examined similar questions in past capital projects and would revisit the issue.
Council confirmed they want the ordinance to specify a waiver if a tested meter is found faulty and asked staff to research options and legal constraints for making property owners responsible for unpaid utility charges. No final ordinance amendment or vote on that substantive change occurred at the May 6 meeting; the item remained at first reading.
