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WINTERSVILLE -- The installation of new radio-read water meters for residents and businesses in the village continues.
Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi said crews still need to install about 320 meters, including about 90 for local businesses.
He recently advised Wintersville Council that another 25 meters of a larger size are needed for some businesses and will have to be ordered. But Kosegi said he expects village crews will install those.
Because many of the village's old meters were installed inside homes and other buildings, the project has required the cooperation of its water customers.
Kosegi said those who haven't had their old meters removed should schedule an appointment with Newman Plumbing Inc., the Harmony, Pa., contractor hired to perform the task, by calling (888) 437-0078 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or e-mailing newmanmeters@gmail.com.
Customers have been encouraged to allot 30 minutes for the crews to complete their work, but Kosegi said he's observed the work done in as little as 10 minutes.
But he stressed customers should remove any barriers to the meters in advance because the crews can't be responsible for cutting through panels or other obstacles covering the meters, which belong to the village.
Kosegi has made plans to sell the old meters, possibly to other water providers, to recoup costs for the endeavor.
The $985,000 project is being funded by a $341,000 grant and a $535,000 10-year, no-interest loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission and local funds.
Mayor Mike Petrella said since the new, exterior meters have been installed, some customers have questioned if their water rates had been raised to support them.
"No, it's because the new meters are actually reading your water amount correctly. So your bills may be higher, they may be lower. But no one has raised your rates," he has advised customers.
Numbering about 1,600, the new meters transmit readings to the Village Building through an antenna placed on the village's water tower.
Wintersville officials have said the move will allow village crews to devote their attention elsewhere, while allowing water customers to pay their bills online, if they choose, following the installation of computer software to be installed soon at the Village Building.
In related business, Kosegi said he's been asked about Doxo, an online business through which individuals may pay their utility providers.
He said he's found the company to be legitimate but wanted to clarify that it's not affiliated with the village in any way.