Seymour — The Seymour City Council voted Jan. 15 to adopt an electrical upgrade policy addressing meter cans that are incompatible with the city’s automated metering system.

Legal counsel clarified that the proposal is a policy, not an ordinance, and staff framed it as an electrical upgrade policy for utilities to implement. Council members noted the cost to homeowners can run between $600 and $1,000, depending on the situation, and asked whether the city could provide hardship assistance.

City staff said the policy gives the city the option to assist homeowners in need but that no dedicated funds have been designated at this time; if the council chooses to assist, the utilities department could recoup costs by adding the amount to the customer’s bill over time. "It does run between $600 up to maybe $1,000," a staff member said when discussing typical upgrade costs.

The council moved, seconded and approved the electrical upgrade policy. Staff said they will pursue identifying potential funds or grant sources if a need emerges and will bring options back to the council for approval.

The policy is intended to bring older meter installations into compatibility with automated metering and to reduce safety and service risks associated with outdated meter cans.