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Council adopts ordinance letting residents opt out of RF water/electric meters for a fee
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 2025-23 to allow residents to replace automated radio-frequency meters with manually read meters, setting installation and rate differences; roll call approved the change 7–6 with one absence.
The Batavia City Council on Monday approved an amendment to the city code that lets residents request a manually read electric or water meter in place of an automated radio-frequency (RF) meter, with the council setting installation and rate provisions for such requests.
Alderman Beck presented the ordinance and said it was drafted to allow residents who believe they have RF concerns to return to manual dials; the change also establishes fees for meter installation and for monthly reading. After brief discussion the motion was seconded and the clerk called the roll. The ordinance passed by a 7–6 roll-call vote with one member absent.
Why it matters: The ordinance creates a formal process for residents to opt out of automated meter reading where permitted by utility rules, and it assigns a cost structure for installation and ongoing manual readings. Council members who voted against the ordinance questioned long-term utility management costs and precedent.
Next steps: City staff will incorporate the ordinance into utility billing procedures, publish the opt-out process, and track requests and costs.
