Rocky Ridge council writes off $2,800 in missed water charges and sets watering restrictions for April 1

Rocky Ridge officials voted March 18 to write off $2,800 in missed billings from 2025 and to implement mandatory watering restrictions starting April 1 as the town faces moderate to severe drought conditions.

Casey Reynolds, town staff, reported four missed 2025 billings—three at $800 and one at $400—totaling $2,800 because of administrative oversight. Mayor Ronald Allred moved to write off the shortfall; Council Member Byron Allred seconded, and the council voted unanimously to approve the write-off.

Reynolds also presented the required biennial review of water fees and recommended changes including raising the standard road crossing fee from $800 to $1,000 and setting an asphalt road crossing base at $3,000. He noted a lower-cost bore option (referred to in the meeting as "Missile") when feasible.

Town staff reported the town is split between moderate (53%) and severe (40%) drought zones with very low soil moisture. The council decided to begin mandatory watering restrictions on April 1. Staff will include a conservation notice in the March billing, distribute door-to-door flyers in early April and post notices at community locations.

A resident expressed concern that mandatory restrictions could trigger "panic watering." Staff responded that prior data show mandatory restrictions reduce total usage and that tiered billing discourages overuse, though enforcement may be necessary if shortages worsen.

The council also noted a cemetery block project caused a $10,000 budget overage; the town will address that in a public hearing to amend the budget.