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Buffalo Gap board advances utility ordinance changes and moves to absorb meter fee into maintenance charge
Summary
The town presented a revised utility ordinance and proposed a $5 reallocation of the meter fee into a higher monthly maintenance charge; trustees approved a small purchase to replace subpoenaed water-billing software and discussed delinquency and surcharge rules for a multi-phase water project.
The Buffalo Gap Board of Trustees on Tuesday reviewed a draft utility ordinance intended to reorganize water service rules and simplify rate changes.
Chair (speaker 1) told trustees the draft moves rate amounts from the ordinance into a separate resolution so changes can be made with a single reading. “So the monthly maintenance fee will go from 25 to $30 and the $5 meter fee will go away,” the chair said, explaining the $5 will be absorbed into the town—s water sales fund rather than kept in a separate meter fund.
Why it matters: the change aims to reduce administrative complexity and consolidate funds used for meter purchases and maintenance. The board also discussed surcharges already enacted for Phase 1 and a planned Phase 2 surcharge that will appear on bills beginning Jan. 1 to support bond repayment for the project.
Board discussion focused on customer impacts and operational details. Finance and operations staff said moving the $5 fee into the enterprise fund will not change customers— monthly obligation once surcharges are included, but trustees pressed on reconnection and late-fee mechanics. The chair proposed raising the late fee from $10 to $15 and recommended a two-month delinquency threshold before termination notices are issued; the draft ordinance does not set a specific dollar cutoff.
Operations updates: town staff reported equipment and metering work, including protective caps for exposed remote-reading devices and delivery of remote boxes and new remotes to enable digital reads. The board heard that training for certified water operators is scheduled for December and January to meet state certification needs.
Billing system purchase: Chair reported the original water billing computer was subpoenaed into state evidence and will not be returned. The town needs a replacement system. A trustee moved to authorize an initial procurement step with spending authorization of up to $50 to begin acquiring software/hardware; the motion was seconded and carried.
What—s next: trustees scheduled the first formal reading of the updated utility ordinance and an accompanying resolution for water rates at the next meeting; the board asked staff to clarify reconnection fee language and delineate when and how disconnects for delinquency would be executed.
