City council adopts temporary water service option for property testing, sets two-tier fees

The Lawton City council voted 6-0 to adopt an ordinance and resolution establishing temporary utility service rates that let buyers, realtors, landlords and other parties request short-term water service to test plumbing or other infrastructure.

The new code and fee schedule let customers request up to 10 days of temporary service for $50 covering up to 1,000 gallons, or up to 30 days for $150 covering up to 3,000 gallons; usage above those limits will be billed at the regular utility rate. Kristen (presenter) and the city manager said the measure mirrors policies in peer cities and fills a gap in the code that prevented short-term activation for property inspections.

The ordinance and companion resolution were described as purely administrative changes that add a separate line item on utility bills; the city manager said the change “supports our open-for-business culture” by allowing realtors and buyers to validate plumbing before completing transactions.

Council members asked about related requirements. Kristen clarified there is no deposit required for the temporary service; customers must provide proof of insurance and sign the city's liability agreement to protect the city if turning the water on causes damage. If a customer later establishes a permanent account, the usual deposit and account setup process will apply at that time.

The council approved the ordinance and the fee schedule on roll-call votes. The council also directed staff and the Lawton Water Authority to coordinate implementation of the new line items while assuring that standard bills for existing accounts are not otherwise changed.

The measure takes effect as provided in the ordinance and will be codified in the City Code. No changes to ongoing customer charges were described beyond the new temporary-service line item.