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Buffalo Gap trustees to mail opt-out survey with water bills after debate over meter costs
Summary
Trustees voted to update and mail an opt-out/opt-in survey with this month's water bills so contractor Helms can plan phase 2 connections; the decision follows extended discussion about opt-out fees, meter-readability, and how to protect fixed-income residents from rising water costs.
The Buffalo Gap Board of Trustees voted to include an updated opt-out/opt-in survey with this month’s water bills to customers who previously opted out, a step trustees said is needed to give contractor Helms a reliable list of how many services to reconnect during phase 2 construction.
The vote followed a lengthy discussion about the town’s opt-out policy and fees for restoring or installing service. A trustee (Committee member, Speaker 3) said “our water bill is is going sky high” and urged lowering the levy and protecting residents on fixed incomes. The board reviewed ordinance language from 2019 that lists a $4.50 charge to turn a disconnected meter back on; trustees also discussed a previously quoted $1,300 cost to install a brand-new service.
Agency staff (Agency official, Speaker 4) said the project team is gathering exact estimates for urgent repairs — including an above-grade tank top that may need replacement — and that accurate counts of connections are necessary to control construction costs and limit leak risk. The board agreed that if residents do not return the mailed form by a stated deadline, the town will treat the lack of response as opting out and plan to bypass those properties during construction.
Chair (Speaker 1) moved to update the survey and include it with the current water bills; trustees voted in favor and the motion carried. Board members said the measure is procedural and intended to give the contractor a final list for scheduling, not to change residents’ rights to reconnect service later.
The board also asked staff to clarify fees and publish the opt-out deadline in the mailed notice so customers can plan whether to remain disconnected or request reconnection during construction.
Looking ahead, trustees said the town will use the survey responses to finalize the Helms walk-through schedule and to set any necessary valve or meter work during phase 2 construction.
