Truman sets July 2026 deadline for meter upgrades, approves $1,000 fee for water-main shutoffs

The Truman City Council on Nov. 3 set a July 1, 2026 deadline for property owners to upgrade electrical meter sockets so the city can install new electric meters, and approved a $1,000 fee when city crews must shut off a watermain because a property's curb stop is broken.

Public Works Superintendent Brent Brown told the council that a small number of old meters cannot be swapped out until the meter sockets are upgraded. Council agreed to offer assistance with upgrade costs for six months to a year if needed. Brown also asked the council to establish a charge when staff are requested to shut off a watermain due to a defective curb stop; council approved a $1,000 fee, with the fee to be waived if the property owner agrees to repair the curb stop within six months (motion by Chad Truax, seconded by Ron Kelley; all ayes).

Brown reported staff had interviewed three applicants for an open public works position and will follow up with the candidates. He asked permission to bid on a 2019 Ford F-250 service truck on MNBid to replace a nonoperational two-wheel-drive truck; council authorized staff to inspect and bid if appropriate. Council noted $29,000 is available in capital outlay for the purchase.

The council also directed staff to pursue rental collection and legal assistance regarding a leaseholder at 210 W Ciro who had not vacated the property after an Oct. 31 deadline. No vote was recorded on the rental billing action beyond direction to bill for another month and contact the city attorney.

The public works decisions take effect immediately; the meter-upgrade deadline gives property owners time to arrange upgrades or seek the temporary assistance the city authorized.