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BID will absorb downtown water-meter costs this year; board to revisit during budget cycle
Summary
Board members agreed to pay water-meter bills for three downtown meters this year and to treat two meters' costs as part of the BID's contribution to volunteer group Roots and Branches. Staff estimated per‑meter costs and noted a $50 spring reinstallation fee per meter.
The West Bend BID agreed during its meeting to cover the cost of three downtown water meters this year and to treat most of that expense as part of its contribution to Roots and Branches, the volunteer group that waters public plantings downtown.
John (executive director) told the board the meters were installed during Main Street reconstruction and that the water utility assigned three meters to the BID in roughly June of last year. He said the meters accrue a base charge when not used and that water usage varies seasonally.
"Each meter could potentially be about $250 a year," John said, and added there is a roughly $50 fee per meter to reinstall outside meters each spring after winter removal. That puts a single meter's annual operating cost closer to $300 in staff's estimate; three meters could total about $900 depending on actual water use.
Staff presented three options: (1) the BID continue to pay the bills as a BID expense, (2) fold the two meters primarily used by Roots and Branches into the BID's donation to that group so the grant line reflects water costs, or (3) ask the utility to transfer ownership of the meters to another party. Board members favored the second option for this year and asked staff to record the water costs in the Roots and Branches line so the association and volunteers have a clearer picture of the BID's support.
The board instructed staff to pay the current bills and to include water‑meter costs in the August–September budget discussions so the board can decide a longer-term approach. Staff noted there is limited historical usage data from last year and that costs could rise if summer watering needs increase.
No formal motion was recorded for a roll-call vote; the group reached consensus in the meeting and scheduled a formal budgeting discussion in late summer.
