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Council tables water‑meter damage charge after church disputes $500 billing
Summary
A Cherry Valley church received a $500 bill to replace a damaged electronic read water meter. Councilors questioned whether the church caused the damage, agreed the policy needs clearer cost-based language, and tabled the item pending verification of actual repair/replacement costs.
A Cherry Valley church received a notice charging $500 to replace a damaged electronic-read water meter, and the City Council on Oct. 21 agreed to delay enforcement while staff determines the actual repair or replacement cost.
Stacy read the city’s electronic‑reading‑meter policy and the letter sent to the church, noting the policy requires a customer to pay for owner‑caused damage and that damages must be paid within 30 days or services may be shut off. Council members questioned whether the church had caused the damage and whether the flat $500 charge reflected the city’s actual out‑of‑pocket cost.
Council members repeatedly emphasized that if the customer did not cause the damage, they should not be billed. The council directed staff to determine the precise cost to repair or replace the unit, clarify how responsibility will be determined if damage is ambiguous, and bring recommended policy revisions back next month. The item was tabled to allow staff time to confirm technical costs and implement clearer procedures.
No formal penalties or shutoffs were ordered; members said the goal is to amend the policy to reflect actual repair costs and a fair process for determining responsibility.
