The Port Arthur City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the city's water meter replacement project and the need for accurate billing practices. Council members discussed the ongoing efforts to replace outdated water meters with new technology aimed at reducing water loss and improving revenue collection.

City officials reported that the project to replace all residential water meters is nearing completion, with bids expected to be received in August. This initiative is anticipated to address long-standing issues with meter accuracy, which has previously resulted in substantial financial losses for the city. Councilman Doucet highlighted the importance of this project, noting that the new meters could potentially recover 10 to 15% of lost revenue due to inaccurate readings from older meters.

Council member Lewis raised concerns about ensuring that all businesses within the city's jurisdiction are properly billed for water usage. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive inventory of water accounts to prevent losses similar to those experienced in the electrical sector, where the city lost $2 million due to billing inaccuracies.

The discussion also touched on the potential impact of the new meters on residents' water bills. Councilman Kinlaw cautioned that while the new meters will provide more accurate readings, some residents may see an increase in their bills if their previous meters were underreporting usage. This point was echoed by Councilman Doucet, who stressed the importance of informing citizens about the changes to avoid confusion.

City Manager Haney confirmed that the project is fully funded and will save the city millions. He assured council members that city staff will closely monitor the installation process to ensure its success.

In conclusion, the council's discussions underscored the critical need for accurate water billing and the proactive steps being taken to enhance the city's water management system. The upcoming meter replacement project is expected to significantly improve revenue collection and reduce water loss, benefiting both the city and its residents.