§ 54-58. Use of three-inch fire hydrant meter.

(a)

Purpose of section. The purpose of this section is to require the use of a three-inch fire hydrant meter when using water from a public hydrant.

(b)

Meter required. All fire hydrant water supplies must be metered with a proper fire hydrant meter, with the exception of emergency fire units.

(c)

To be supplied by county; deposit; billing period. The county shall have the authority to contract with commercial businesses and private citizens to supply such three-inch meters as are necessary for the customers' use and to inspect and repair at the customer's expense meters that are damaged through negligence. The county shall also collect and account for a deposit on each meter maintained by the county. The customer will be billed for metered water on a six-month basis, or when the meter is returned for refund on deposit, whichever occurs first.

(d)

Charges; return of meter. The charges and deposits for three-inch meter usage are as established by the board of commissioners. The customer shall be required to return the meter every six months for issuance of another meter and billing for usage at that time.

(e)

Unauthorized use of water; penalty. No person shall make an unauthorized water connection nor obtain unauthorized or unmetered water service. Persons obtaining unauthorized water service shall be subject to a penalty fee of $250.00 and/or shall be punished as provided in section 1-10.

(f)

Enforcement. Enforcement of this section shall be the responsibility of all employees of the community development department. The community development department shall be responsible for delivery and preparation of citations to persons violating this section.

(Ord. of 11-27-79; Code 1977, § 3-13-4)