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Atoka to bring sewer billing in‑house after approving data‑sharing agreement with Popular Grove
Summary
Council approved an agreement under which Popular Grove will share water‑consumption data so Atoka can resume in‑house sewer billing; staff estimated modest annual savings and said Popular Grove will handle shutoffs for nonpayment under the agreement.
Atoka’s Town Council on Jan. 13 approved a data‑sharing and billing agreement with Popular Grove that will allow the town to bring sewer billing back in‑house.
Staff explained the historical arrangement: since about 2013 Popular Grove has billed and collected sewer fees for customers who receive water from Popular Grove while sewer service is provided by Atoka. Under the new agreement, Popular Grove will provide water‑consumption data to Atoka so the town can add sewer charges to Popular Grove customers’ bills and stop paying a collection fee. Staff estimated the change would save the town on the order of $5,000–$6,000 annually.
The agreement also addresses nonpayment: Popular Grove would be authorized to disconnect water service for utility customers who do not pay their Atoka sewer bill, and Popular Grove will assess and handle any disconnect fees through its billing operations; Atoka staff said they will not charge a separate nonpayment disconnect fee to customers for those actions.
Alderman P moved to approve exhibit N and Alderman Harper seconded; the council approved the agreement by voice vote. Staff noted Popular Grove had already approved its side of the agreement and that contract dates in the draft would be updated to reflect the 2026 start.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the agreement language and implement changes to bring sewer billing in‑house, including updating billing systems and customer notices.
