Medina County to draft opt‑out policy for smart water meters after resident concerns

Medina County commissioners directed staff to draft a policy for the county's new smart water‑meter rollout that will include an opt‑out option and a user fee for customers who choose manual reads.

The discussion followed resident questions and concerns about privacy and health effects from wireless meter communications. Commissioners and staff said the county installed smart meters to reduce long‑term operating costs, but acknowledged some customers do not want a wireless meter on their property.

County Administrator Matt Springer and Sanitary Engineer Jeremy Cinco were present for the discussion. Jeremy confirmed the meters can be configured so that the only data transmitted are the device identifier and usage readings and that he would verify the current configuration. Commissioners said that if a customer opts out, the county will read the meter manually and that the county will assess a user fee to cover the additional cost.

Staff noted the county used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the meter program and that the smart‑meter network is a local wireless system used to collect reads by drive‑by or proximate collection, similar to other utilities. Commissioners said the county will draft a policy that includes: (1) confirmation that meters will not transmit customers' network‑identifying data when configured appropriately, (2) a formal opt‑out process and (3) a fee schedule for manual reading and additional maintenance if the customer chooses to opt out.

No motion or vote was taken; staff were directed to prepare a written smart‑meter policy and report back to the board.