City Looking To Fix Incorrect Water Meter Readings

The city of Bourbon is looking to fix incorrect water meter readings that are undercharging residents for usage.

Bourbon council members discussed the issue on April 20 and said steps are being taken to rectify the issue.

The city has phased in new meters over the last two years, which are designed to be more accurate and provide a quicker read.

Bourbon signed an agreement in November 2019 that provided financing for 750 electronic water meters.

The deal with Government Capital allowed the city to install electronic meters for all residents.

Prior to the agreement, Bourbon had around 100 electronic meters.

Mayor Dave Lafferty said the city is not going back and correcting six months worth of incorrect readings, nor will they be looking to recoup money.

However, residents could see an increase in their water bill once the meters are read properly.

“We were told that these meters are more accurate and that bills could go up,” Lafferty said. “The old meters were costing us money. Some people will see higher bills.”

Ward 1 Alderwoman Margie Brine said she wants residents to be aware of possible changes.

Mark McEuen of the public works department said there various issues with the way the meters were being read.

The meters are read on city-owned mobile phones and if a call came in, it would erase that reading.

Lafferty said they fixed those phones so that they only read meters.

On a good day, McEuen said the city will be able to read 100 meters at a time.