By JONATHAN SNYDER
A water billing dispute was heard and tabled by the Board of Works in what’s being seen as a potential meter malfunction.
Jerry Ripple stated that his bill was about four or five times higher than average, but the usage points showed a high amount of water being used at hours when the customer was asleep. Initial tests of the water meter read that the meter was functioning perfectly. Jon Oman, the city utility superintendent, has since replaced said meter with a new one.
“You can walk in my basement right now … there’s no leaks,” said Ripple to the board. “It’s perfectly dry.”
A new water meter has been put on Ripple’s residence, but council members Scott Mentzer, Josh Hunt and Mayor John Whicker requested that further testing be run on the old meter, as the initial test was over a 24-hour period. Ripple stated that the spikes in water usage were over a monthly period, where some days would see high usage and other days would show normal usage.
“We will make you (Ripple) whole if it’s a meter issue,” said Mentzer. “We are at a wait and see point, but we need to confirm it’s a bad meter.”
The board also approved Renee Phillipe’s case for a reduction in her monthly fire protection fee. Phillipe’s fee was significantly higher than the standard $5 a month, but her husband installed and paid for a majority of the protection infrastructure when they built their house, making the situation very unique according to the board. Phillipe chose to pay for the infrastructure because their house was too far to the nearest available hydrant.
“There is not another situation like this,” said Oman. “Could there be in the future, yes, but right now no.”
Mentzer noted that the fire protection fee is meant to cover the cost of the infrastructure and maintenance that the system needs so that any fires can be readily taken care of. Since there are two other properties on the same underground line for fire equipment, the board moved to approve the reduction of Phillipe’s fee.
Additionally, the board approved a transfer of funds within the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department. The parks departments will transfer $828.00 from the postage, travel and professional training line items to the insurance bonds line item. This is to pay the charge for any worker’s compensation for the parks department.
Tony Fey, the supervisor for the wastewater treatment plant, also gave an update on the progress of the plant’s expansion. Fey stated that the first of three concrete slabs are being poured for the oxidation ditch and overall feels that the project is ahead of schedule.
Furthermore, four of Bluffton’s city workers were also given raises by the board.
Richard Triplett, the building commissioner for the building department, was given a $1.00 hourly raise.
Brenda Jackson, the mayor’s administrative assistant, was given a $1.00 hourly raise.
Chris Geisman, a plant operator for the wastewater treatment plant, was given a $1.00 hourly raise.
Brad Kelly, a truck driver who this year was promoted to operator for the street department, was given a $0.50 hourly raise.
jonathan@news-banner.com
