During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the policies surrounding the installation and reinstallation of water meters and taps, particularly focusing on the costs associated with these processes. The conversation was prompted by concerns from council members regarding the fairness of charging new customers the full tap and meter fees when a meter has been previously removed, either at the customer's request or due to non-payment.

Council members highlighted two primary scenarios for meter removal: voluntary removal by customers wishing to avoid base rate charges on vacant properties, and involuntary removal due to non-payment of water bills. In both cases, the city currently charges new customers the full fees to reinstate service, which some council members argued is unjust, especially when the tap remains intact.

One council member expressed frustration over the high costs associated with reinstating a meter, questioning why the fee is the same whether a new tap is installed or an existing one is reconnected. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted that charging new homeowners for the previous owner's unpaid bills is inequitable.

The discussion also touched on the operational implications of pulling taps versus meters. It was noted that while the current engineering advice suggests that taps do not need to be removed when a meter is pulled, this practice could lead to complications in managing the city's tap count and compliance with regulations.

Council members agreed on the need for a more equitable pricing structure that reflects the actual costs incurred by the city while also considering the rights of new customers. They proposed further analysis to determine a fair fee for reinstating service that does not penalize new homeowners for the actions of previous residents.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to explore options for adjusting the fee structure and to ensure that the city’s policies align with both operational efficiency and fairness to residents.