MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- In February, Marble Hill will replace all its aging water meters with new, remote-read meters. It also will lower water rates for six months to help customers acclimate to the new meters.

According to a news release from city hall, the new meters will have several benefits. Because they can be read remotely, the costs of manual readings will be eliminated.

The new meters also will make the billing period more consistent by eliminating fluctuations. Residents can monitor and track daily water usage with a mobile app.

The new meters also will alert the city to leaks within 24 hours, which helps eliminate the need for water-bill adjustments.

Mayor Nick Hendricks said in the release the current water meters may have become less accurate.

"Therefore we anticipate an increase in total water usage," he said. "To counter this effect, the city will reduce water and sewer rates for six months beginning Jan. 15, which will be billed out in March."

The rate reduction will reverse a third-phase increase that occurred in 2013. For residential usage above 1,000 gallons, rates will be reduced from 71/70 cents (water/sewer) to 59/58 cents (water/sewer). Commercial rates also will be reduced to previous levels.

"The city does not intend to bring in additional revenue by installing the new meters," Hendricks said. "After a few months, we will be able to determine the effect on the total revenue being received from water and sewer services. After six months of readings, the aldermen will review the fund and determine if any additional adjustments to the rates will need to be made."

It is possible after six months rates will return to their current levels. If the city determines it can lower rates permanently, it will require an ordinance to make it happen.

Pertinent address:

Marble Hill, Mo.