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Council hears follow-up on duplex master-meter billing; staff says billing follows code
Summary
A resident questioned charges for the second half of his duplex served by one master meter. Staff explained multifamily base rates are calculated by number of units served and offered options including a costly separate meter or shutting off water to an unoccupied unit.
Council heard from staff about a utility-billing inquiry from a property owner disputing charges for a duplex served by a master meter.
Staff explained the city's code calculates the bimonthly base rate for multifamily residential connections based on the number of dwelling units served by a master meter; the owner would therefore be billed for two base charges. Staff said the customer "just doesn't like the answer" but that billing follows the code. Staff noted the city moved to a consumption model so consumption charges are incurred only when water is used; base charges apply even when a unit is unoccupied. Options discussed included the owner installing a separate water line and meter (an expensive solution) or physically shutting off service to the non-occupied unit as a practical but potentially costly option.
Staff agreed to follow up with the property owner to explain the billing tables and options.
