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Council advances utilities ordinance language and hears update on water treatment plant delays
Summary
Council approved a first reading to update utility billing rules (Ordinance 07:37) clarifying billing delivery, transfer of unpaid balances and timing of a $10 penalty fee; staff reported continuing start‑up issues at the new water treatment RO skids and filters that have caused intermittent outages.
The Brandon City Council approved a first reading of ordinance updates to utility rates and charges (Ordinance 07:37) that clarify several billing procedures: transfer of unpaid balances to new accounts when customers move within Brandon, allowance for emailed utility bills, a deadline change so bills will be issued by the 25th of the month, and a revision to when a $10 penalty fee is applied (moving it to the first Monday of the month to align with red‑tag posting and disconnection procedures).
Staff explained the intent was to make billing procedures clearer and to align the penalty assessment with existing red‑tag posting practice so customers better understand when the fee is applied. The ordinance language also clarifies that a full balance is due upon disconnection and updates other housekeeping items.
On water operations, staff reported attempts to put conventional filters online encountered problems and some RO (reverse osmosis) skids are intermittently operating. One RO skid had a valve issue requiring repair and another part had a vendor lead time of six to eight weeks. Staff said the manufacturer/contractor is responsible for repairs under contract and that testing and start‑up continue; intermittent shutdowns have occurred as crews work to resolve mechanical and valve issues.
Staff cautioned they could not give a firm date for full, continuous operation until skids and valves are operating reliably. The city is monitoring test results and holding back final payments to a contractor until quality and vegetation/cleanup on related projects are complete, as with other public works pay applications discussed at the meeting.
Council approved the utility ordinance first reading by motion and second; the water treatment updates were informational and did not require action at the meeting.
