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Bogalusa council adopts ordinance keeping master‑metered water and sewer accounts in landlords' names unless units are individually metered
Summary
The Bogalusa City Council on July 21 adopted an ordinance requiring multiunit properties served through a single master meter to keep water and sewer accounts in the property owner's name unless each unit is separately metered; the measure includes a 180-day compliance period and enforcement options for noncompliance.
The Bogalusa City Council adopted an ordinance on July 21 requiring water and sewer accounts for master‑metered multiunit residential and commercial properties to be maintained in the name of the property owner unless each unit is separately metered.
Councilwoman Temples read the ordinance aloud at the meeting, saying: "Any multi unit property served by a master meter shall maintain the water and sewer account in the name of the property owner." The text sets an exception allowing tenants to hold accounts when each unit is separately metered and the meter complies with city specifications. Existing master‑metered properties are required to comply within 180 days of the ordinance's effective date.
Supporters and residents said the change seeks to simplify billing and collections for the city. Councilwoman Smith said the rule is intended to make account administration clearer: "If you have 5 properties on 1 meter, that must be in the owner's name," she said, adding that many landlords already pay bills to avoid service disruption for tenants. During public comment, a resident asked what would happen to tenants when an owner fails to pay; the council discussed administrative remedies and legal disconnection procedures as potential enforcement tools.
Council members and members of the public also noted practical limits where physical barriers make individual metering difficult. Council discussion recognized that some buildings would require substantial work — for example, cutting concrete or sidewalks — to install separate meters, and the council acknowledged the need to balance enforcement with feasibility in those locations.
After discussion, the council voted by roll call and approved the ordinance unanimously. The meeting transcript records all present councilmembers voting "aye." The ordinance will take effect as provided in the text and the city will implement the 180‑day compliance timeline for existing master‑metered buildings.
The meeting also included introductions of several sign‑permit ordinances (including Tractor Supply and two Chevron sites) for public hearing on August 4 and removal of a proposed monument sign at 413 Austin Street for additional historic review. The council announced sandbags available near the fire and police stations ahead of possible storms and adjourned; the next meeting is scheduled for August 4.
