By Emma Longwell, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
As water becomes a more precious resource and utility costs rise, accurate metering helps residents control usage and helps the city plan better. In Apopka, a city growing by leaps and bounds, it's even more vital.
At the Apopka City Council meeting on April 2nd, Gabrielle Carter, the Utility Programs Supervisor, and Blanche Sherman, the Finance Director, provided updates on the City's ongoing utility projects, including the meter replacement program and base station installations.
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"The program commenced with a pilot on October 31st, 2024," Carter said. "It involved 10 meters. With the pilot's success, the official program began in November 2024. Aquameter was the contractor that we did use, and they were provided a master life of 2,900 meters, exceeding the program goal of about 2,600 meters to account for any data inaccuracies . . . or meter issues that could cause what are called skipped meters."
The program's objective is to replace older meters with more accurate technology, reducing the need for estimated billing. Apopka currently faces a shortage of FlexNet meters, which are used for electronic meter reading. As of the latest inventory check, approximately 980 FlexNet meters remain in stock, while around 1,500 homes are still waiting for replacements.
Carter is actively working with suppliers to secure additional meters but noted that other municipalities, including Winter Springs and Orange County, also use the same supplier, which complicates procurement efforts.
"We're not the only municipality that uses them, so we have to battle with Winter Springs and Orange County," Carter explained.
The City monitors inventory levels and collaborates with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
The City is installing two additional base stations to address the growing need for remote water meter readings. One base station is expected to be installed next week, with the second one slated for future expansion in Orange County. The expansion into Orange County is contingent on completing an interlocal agreement.
Sherman clarified the funding situation for the utility program, stating that it is supported by Fund 401, the utility operations fund. The fund had previously faced a significant deficit, leading to rate increases and budget cuts to stabilize the finances. However, the fund currently has sufficient resources to cover ongoing meter replacements and base station upgrades.
In response to concerns about estimated billing, Sherman provided an explanation of the process.
"This is noted on the bill until, of course, it goes from estimate to an actual read," she said. "Meters are read electronically on a weekly basis. There may be times when a meter reading is not available due to several reasons, which may include inaccessibility or a nonfunctioning meter. If this happens, our system will generate an estimated reading. Estimated readings are based on consumption used during the same period from the previous year. Should your bill be estimated, an 'EST' will be shown next to the readings and 'estimated' will be displayed on your payment coupon. We encourage customers to call Utility Billing at 407-773-1727 if they have any questions or concerns."
Carter also discussed the City's efforts to address misplaced meters.
"What we've implemented is on the sides and on the front, we put the number that belongs to the house. And then, if we find out that it's been moved, we issue a $500 fine because I'm tired of it. It's messing up our system," Carter explained.
This measure aims to prevent contractors from relocating meters, which can cause errors in the system and delay billing processes.
Photos by Isabel LeCompte (@isasbel.lecompte), interning photographer for The Apopka Voice.
