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Oglesby asks staff to study dual-metering and sewer-credit options for irrigation
Summary
Council directed staff to examine ordinance changes to permit dual permanent meters or separate accounts for irrigation so homeowners installing irrigation do not pay sewer fees on water that does not enter the sewer system.
Councilors voted to direct staff to research options for dual metering or second accounts that would allow homeowners to avoid sewer charges on irrigation-only water. The motion to investigate ordinance changes passed by roll call.
Presenters explained the city uses smart meters that read by drive-by radio and that homeowners typically purchase meters that become city property; a permanent second meter is feasible but would require homeowner payment for the device and a code amendment. Staff cautioned that sewer-fee revenue is tied to water usage and that the city would lose some sewer revenue if irrigation-only water is excluded.
Council members asked staff to check procedures used by nearby municipalities (Peru was mentioned) and to report whether past programs had been discontinued and why. One councilor said the program’s goal is to encourage beautification while avoiding overcharging residents for water that does not enter the sewer system; another urged caution about revenue loss.
The council asked staff to return with proposed ordinance language, fiscal analysis of lost sewer revenue, and an operational plan (who installs and maintains the second meter and how it integrates with the smart-meter reading system). The item will return to a future meeting with staff recommendations.
