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Council hears utility staff: proposed increases to contractor fill‑station rate and hydrant meter charges
Summary
Staff proposed modest increases for the contractor filling station (from $13.77 to $14.00 per 1,000 gallons) and recommended raising fire hydrant meter deposits from $1,000 to $3,000 and per‑thousand charges from $6 to $10, citing meter cost increases and 15 years without rate change. Council moved the ordinance to first reading.
Marissa, a water billing/utility staff member, briefed the council on proposed changes to rates and deposits that affect contractor fill stations and portable fire hydrant meters used by contractors.
Staff said the Tinsley Boulevard filling station rate would increase from $13.77 per 1,000 gallons to $14.00 per 1,000 to reflect cost adjustments for that system. For hydrant meters (mobile meters that attach to fire hydrants and require special permits), staff recommended increasing the refundable deposit from $1,000 to $3,000 because the replacement cost of the meters has more than doubled (stated at over $2,500 each). The usage charge for hydrant meters was proposed to increase from $6 to $10 per 1,000 gallons; staff noted that the hydrant‑meter rate had not changed in roughly 15 years.
Marissa explained current administrative controls: hydrant meters require contractor licensing, special permits, inspections and backflow prevention. Council members asked clarifying questions but raised few objections; the motion to introduce the amendment to operating and capital budgets and the rate changes passed on first reading.
