Methods of Meter Reading, Billing and Collecting

Abstract

Beginning with those stormy sessions in the City Couiicil prior to the adoption in January, 1906, of an ordinance providing for the from annual to semi-annual assessment of water tax, there has been gradual in Staunton, Va., to its now present system of monthly billing of all water Records show that the first hint of this drastic change was incorporated in report of the Water Committee about year before, when it was proposed to install several meters for experimental purposes. This report called for a gradual and complete installation of meters for all consumers. With $150.00 to start with, the committee in April, 1906 began installing meters until in 1923 the system was completely metered, including schools, all public building, parks and even the drinking fountains on the streets. The last step, that is, from quarterly to monthly billing, was hastened by the increasing loss of bad accounts by the inability to hold the property owner responsible for the tenants' bills. The City had been reading meters monthly since 1927 so that it was matter of stepping up the billing and collecting system. The economic distress made it apparent that some relief should be offered to the consumer, and this has been proven by the absence of long cut off lists. More persons have $1.00 each month than $3.00 every three months. The City also has the use of one third of this money for two months and another third for one month. At the same time, other changes were made. Collection was placed in the hands of the City Collector, staggered system of reading, billing and collection was set up, the method of reading was changed, and meter settings were improved upon, all of which were timely and have proved to be of benefit to the City. Before discussing the system established, it might be well to outline the duties, other than those in the Water Department, which each person along the line has to perform. Staunton, whose population is around 12,000, usually has several jobs for each employee.