Council approves critical water-plant flow meter replacement; discusses line replacements, rate materials and utility-billing credits

The Marysville City Council approved an urgent equipment purchase at the water plant and heard extensive committee updates on water and street infrastructure and utility billing.

Public works reported that a flow meter at the water plant failed and needs replacement immediately; the replacement quote is about $5,700, slightly above the city administrator’s $5,000 spending threshold. Council moved, seconded and approved the purchase so staff could proceed without further delay.

In the water and sewer committee report, council members discussed replacing an aging rural 1½‑inch line that has had repeated breaks with a new six‑inch feed tied into the southern system. Committee members said replacing the line will reduce recurring repair costs and staff time, enable safer service, and set up future expansion. They discussed obtaining bids, clarifying easements and material costs.

Administrator Josh also described resident confusion about new utility bills mailed late in the cycle and noted the city will provide a utility-bill calculator and additional information online, including a lead-service-line survey and guidance on potential grant opportunities for household service-line replacement. Council also noted a committee decision to credit, rather than refund, sewer charges that spiked because of water leaks that did not enter the sanitary sewer system; staff framed credits as equitable adjustments for affected customers.