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Council discusses water-meter access, $50-per-day fee and enforcement challenges
Summary
A councilor referenced a fee schedule item allowing a $50-per-day charge for denying access to water meters and the group debated enforcement, prior staff messaging and whether shutoff or abatement would be used when residents refuse access.
Committee members raised problems enforcing water-meter access and the city's fee schedule. One councilor noted that the fee schedule includes a provision to charge "$50 a day for not giving us access to the meter," and other members said inconsistent past messaging to residents complicated enforcement.
Members discussed enforcement steps including escalating fines, abatement or shutoff for continued refusal and stressed the importance of consistent policy and communication so staff can implement fees without appearing to apply rules unevenly. Staff and councilors agreed the city needs clear procedures to follow when meters are inaccessible and to document actions taken.
