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Port Clinton water manager outlines new billing software, remote metering that may change bills
Summary
City of Port Clinton Water Department Manager Julie Frattaroli told council the department has launched new billing software, a new city website and a remote meter-reading system covering about 300 meters; customers must re‑enroll in paperless billing and will receive new account and PIN numbers.
Julie Frattaroli, the City of Port Clinton’s Water Department Manager, told council on Sept. 23 that the department has switched to new billing software and implemented a new metering system that will allow staff — and eventually residents — to access meter data remotely.
Frattaroli said the city recently launched a new website and replaced an older phone number. “An old phone number (419-734-4040) from twenty years ago is no longer active,” she said, and asked residents to use 419-734-5522 or to type portclinton.com directly into their browsers to reach the new site.
She listed several customer-facing changes in the new billing system: “Please be aware that your account number and pin numbers have changed. The new software does have the option to set up auto pay as an option from your credit card or checking account. ACH is an option and is free if you sign up for that in person at City Hall. Paperless billing is available; however, you will need to re-sign up.”
Frattaroli said the new invoicing format has been simplified and that the phone number to pay by phone has changed; customers should reference their invoice for the updated payment line. She said the previous paperless opt-in did not transfer automatically to the new system and that residents who want paperless bills must re-enroll.
On metering, Frattaroli said the city currently has roughly 300 meters on the new system that can be read remotely from department computers. “These meters are more accurate; you may see an increase or decrease on your water bill. In the future community members can meter their own meters to see when there are spikes in water usage,” she said.
Why it matters: the software change resets account numbers and PINs, alters how paperless billing is enrolled, introduces autopay/ACH options (with in-person ACH signup required for the free option), and installs meters that may change individual bills. Residents with billing questions were directed to City Hall.
The city did not report a timetable for when resident self‑metering will be available or how many customers may see substantial changes in billing; those details were not specified during the presentation.
The presentation to council was informational; no council vote was required that evening.
