Commission weighs one-meter-per-structure policy, debates duplex and split‑ownership exceptions

The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission on Nov. 4 reviewed a draft amendment that would limit each structure to one town water meter and one curb stop, while allowing multiple town meters only when separate service lines are constructed at the owner’s expense.

Superintendent Steve Cody said the change mostly formalizes current practice: when a structure has both commercial and residential uses, the metered usage has been billed at the commercial metered rate and the amendment adds that language to policy. "When a structure has both commercial and residential uses ... the metered usage rates shall be billed at the commercial metered usage rate," he said, explaining the clause was added because it was not previously in writing.

Commissioners and members spent most of the discussion on new construction and ownership changes. A resident seeking to build a duplex asked whether two curb stops and meters would be allowed; staff replied that two separate meters and curb stops may be constructed at the owner’s expense and that the draft permits that approach for duplexes and similar new construction. "One curb stop, one meter is what we're going for," one commission member said, while others said requiring two curb stops during initial construction is often less expensive than retrofitting later.

Panelists also discussed split ownership scenarios. Commissioners noted a potential problem if a single curb stop serves units that later sell to separate owners: the town could not shut service to a single nonpaying owner when the account is a single curb-stop account. The commission agreed to add clearer language about ownership changes and whether new duplexes should be required to install separate service lines up front; staff said they will draft additional language and return the policy for further review.

The commission did not adopt a final, revised policy at the meeting; members asked staff to clarify the policy’s language about new construction, split ownership and grandfathered existing multi‑meter setups before a future vote. The item was placed on a forthcoming meeting agenda for additional discussion.