Warren Scott WATER ISSUES, PROJECTS DISCUSSED — Wintersville officials Thursday discussed efforts to address problems with new water meters installed in the village and expected timelines for upcoming projects.

WINTERSVILLE — Problems arising from new water meters installed in the village and updates on the paving of Cadiz Road and other projects were discussed by Wintersville officials at the village’s water-sewer board and council meetings on Thursday.

Last year about 1,900 meters for residential customers were replaced with others equipped to transmit their readings to the Village Building.

The move was seen as a cost savings because village crews wouldn’t be required to read them manually.

But Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi said readings received from some through the village’s current software have been found to be incorrect, leading to some customers’ bills being estimated according to past usage.

Councilman Randy Spence asked if usage has been estimated for about 500 customers during the last two months, and Kosegi confirmed that is true.

Kosegi said he suspects the problem lies not with the meters but the current software, which he and village staff is preparing to swap for new software.

Spence noted the village paid about $17,000 for the software.

The new equipment is part of a $985,000 project funded with state and local money.

Kosegi said all of the meters are on a 10-year warranty, and the village will receive credit for any that aren’t working.

He said he plans to switch to the new software on the week of Feb. 23 to see if that resolves the problem.

Spence suggested that the vendors and contractors involved with the project be on hand at that time to answer any questions.

Kosegi said he’s spent many nights at the office working on the problem and was able to correct about 60 meters.

He added clerks with the water department have put in a lot of time and effort working to address the discrepancies.

Councilman Jason Mattern applauded the clerks for their patience.

It was noted the minimum water bill for residential customers is $29 based on 3,000 gallons of water or less.

That minimum monthly bill includes $33.30 for sewer and $12.50 for garbage collection for a total of $74.80.

In related business, Kosegi said water customers now may pay their bills online through Doxo, an independent company, and information about that is available at www.wintersvilleoh.us.

He noted e-checks may be used for the payments at no cost, but the company charges a fee for the use of credit cards.

The village continues to accept payments with paper checks and cash.

At Wintersville Council’s regular meeting, Mayor Mike Petrella reported the Cadiz Road paving project is slated to be advertised to potential contractors on May 1, with the work slated to occur between Aug. 1 of this year and August 2027.

Kosegi said the replacement of sidewalks along the road is expected to start June 1 and be completed in August before the new school year starts.

A mix of state and local funds have been allocated for the resurfacing of a mile-long section of the road from its intersection with state Route 43 near the Wintersville Kroger to Park Drive.

Petrella added bids will be sought on April 1 for a new pump house between Wintersville and Steubenville to provide a backup source of water for the two municipalities in the event of water line breaks.

Council’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 5.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaornline.com.)