Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Billing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Customer complaint over irrigation meter sparks discussion of sewer charges and public notices
Summary
A customer called after adding an irrigation system and found higher sewer charges; the board discussed options including customer letters, possible relief, education and deferring decisions to a Nov. 17 workshop.
A customer who installed an irrigation system asked why his sewer charges increased after the installation, prompting board discussion about metering, billing options and public notice practices.
Unidentified Speaker 2 described the call from "Mister Drews," saying the customer was "a little surprised" to see higher charges after installing irrigation. Board members explained that separating irrigation from sewer service typically requires substantial new connections and ongoing inspections, which can be costly and difficult to monitor.
Members suggested procedural options: the customer could write a letter to the water board for consideration, the board could take the issue up at its special workshop scheduled for Nov. 17, or the customer could decide between drilling a private well or paying higher sewer charges. Unidentified Speaker 3 proposed expanding public notices or a short FAQ on the city website to help new homeowners and those installing irrigation understand permitting and billing consequences.
No formal relief was granted at the meeting. The board indicated it would consider the matter at the Nov. 17 special meeting and encouraged staff to include background and potential policy options in the packet.
