Commission hears reports: January sales‑tax spike and progress on water‑meter replacements and water loss reduction
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Summary
Finance and utilities directors told the commission that January sales‑tax receipts hit $600,000 (a record for January), water department revenue rose ~16%, and reported water loss is down to under 6% after meter replacements; staff outlined remaining meter swaps and enforcement steps for accounts with unexplained usage.
City finance and utilities staff presented monthly reports showing improved revenue metrics and operational progress.
Finance Director Leo Cantu reported that January sales‑tax receipts reached $600,000 — the first January in city history at that level — and that water department revenues increased roughly 16% (about $273,000 over the same period last year). Cantu also said property tax collections stood at about 31% of the levy and that overall revenues were slightly under year‑to‑date norms because of timing differences tied to a school tax election.
Public utilities staff reported the ongoing water‑meter swap program: roughly 5,100 meters installed out of a planned 5,800, leaving about 624 still to be swapped. Staff said meter replacements have materially reduced apparent water loss; reported water loss for December was about 5.89%, down from prior years when losses were reported in the 30–40% range. City staff described steps to investigate accounts showing activity on otherwise inactive accounts and told commissioners they could pursue back charges, penalties (one figure cited: $500), liens or court action where appropriate.
Commissioners praised the results and asked staff to continue reporting on meter completion, water loss, and options for collecting on delinquent/unusual accounts.
