Perrysburg to fine residents who don't have new water meter
Perrysburg residents who don’t have the city’s new water meters that allow automatic readings soon will be fined $50 for every three months.
The city water division has installed such meters to about 8,000 residents since 2007, but 200 residents have refused to schedule the free in-home visit to allow the meter to be changed. As a result, a water department representative has to go to those homes to read the meter to prepare bills.
The City Council this week unanimously approved the fine.
“They will get a $50 charge each quarter, but once they upgrade (the fee) will be removed,” said Councilman Todd Grayson.
The meter conversion enables a city worker to drive in front of homes and get a meter reading from a signal instead of having to arrange to get inside the home where the meters are. The city says its new meters provide more accurate readings and enables more efficient billing.
“It is a major time savings,” said Alice Godsey, city director of public utilities.
She said homes that haven’t allowed the city access for the conversion have received at least four notices. Another notice will be sent soon to explain the $50 fee. The first bill to show the charge will arrive in April.
Appointments to have the meter changed can be made by calling the public utilities office at 419-872-8050. The conversion typically takes about an hour.
Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.
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