City Of Spencer Updates Utility Customer Service Policy

The City of Spencer considering new policies for situations when the city cannot safely access water meters.

Mayor Alisa Farmer said the water utility continues to find policies, rates and procedures that create financial losses.

“We’re trying to make it safe for our utility workers because they are some meters out there that they have to read that is extremely difficult to reach,” Farmer said. “And or there are vicious dogs around.”

Farmer said whether it be dogs or vehicles parked on top of meters or other objects blocking access, utility workers may have to make phone calls and return trips attempting to read meters.

Farmer said the revised policy will allow the utility to take steps if and when customers create situations in which readers can not safely access meters.

“We’ve revised the policy to require free and safe access to the meter,” Farmer said. “And that includes fences, gates, pets, equipment or any other object that prevents free and safe access to the meter.”

Farmer said if a customer does not comply with the policy, the utility can take further steps.

“We can disconnect service if we aren’t able to safely access the meter,” Farmer said. “And the customer will incur a reconnection fee if we have to take those steps.”

City Aldermen will vote on the revised policy tonight. If the policy passes the changes will take effect tomorrow.