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Mount Vernon resident says single‑meter duplexes are charged double as commission discusses rate increases
Summary
A Mount Vernon resident urged the Utilities Commission to review how single meters are billed for multi‑unit properties amid discussion of forthcoming wastewater and stormwater rate increases.
Mike Hillier, a Mount Vernon resident, told the Mount Vernon Utilities Commission on March 6 that owners of properties with a single water meter serving multiple rental units are paying effectively double even when usage is low.
Hillier told commissioners he owns a duplex adjacent to his home and said the rental units “have never had a water bill over minimum usage,” but his bills have been higher because “I have 1 meter for 2 apartments.” He added, “I think I'm being ripped off.”
The comment came as commission members and staff discussed possible rate increases to cover expenses and a new water treatment facility. Hillier said he understood an example figure of a $26 monthly increase had been mentioned but that the increase he and others would face depends on whether wastewater or water rates are changed and how meters are assigned to accounts.
Hillier asked the commission to reexamine metering practices now that the city uses automated meter reading and GPS-enabled meters. A commission member and staff confirmed the city uses a mix of automatic readings and manual checks and that the GPS system can flag unusual increases in usage. Hillier urged the commission to consider separately metering rental units or otherwise adjusting how multi‑unit properties are billed.
Commission and staff discussion clarified that authority over rate changes differs by utility: wastewater and stormwater rate changes require city council approval, while water rate adjustments are handled by the safety service director, according to comments on the record. The transcript reflected disagreement about limits on administrative increases for water; one participant said limits exist in ordinance, while another said the safety service director can raise water rates without council approval. The transcript did not include a citation to a specific ordinance or the safety service director's written authority.
No formal action on metering or rate changes was taken at the March 6 meeting. Commissioners suggested Hillier and other residents return in a future meeting after staff research, and staff indicated they would reexamine the metering issue and the effect of any proposed rate changes.
The Utilities Commission completed its other business for the morning and adjourned at 8:44 a.m.
