The meeting began with an intense focus on the resident’s water usage allegations, which were higher than bills from previous owners. The resident, a single occupant, found the charges impractical, arguing that their minimal water usage did not justify such a steep bill. “I cannot be paying $1,700 to take a shower like that’s impractical,” the resident voiced. The board had previously replaced the water meter in November 2023, after confirming there were no leaks. However, an oversight in billing had led to an additional 5,966 cubic feet being unaccounted for, exacerbating the confusion.

The resident insisted that their irrigation system was turned off in July 2023, contradicting suggestions that high usage might be linked to irrigation. The board speculated on potential leaks within the irrigation system, particularly when the system was reactivated for a short period in spring 2024. There was further discussion about the accuracy of the meter, with the board offering to test the old meter at the resident’s expense if it was proven to be functional. “It’s impossible for the meter pretty much to fail against you,” the board stated.

The discourse expanded to the board’s policies for managing such disputes. The board emphasized that once water passes through the meter, the consumer is responsible for the charges, likening it to a retail transaction where the consumer bears responsibility for goods once purchased. The resident challenged this stance, equating it to being charged for an unreceived item. The board remained firm in their policy, underscoring their obligation to all district consumers and the principle that water usage, as recorded by the meter, must be accounted for.

In an attempt to address the resident’s financial burden, the board proposed maintaining a $200 monthly payment plan until summer, when irrigation would resume. They also considered waiving compounding interest on the outstanding balance for one year. Despite these proposals, the resident expressed ongoing dissatisfaction, feeling unjustly held accountable for a problem that appeared to have resolved itself. “It doesn’t help me in any sense if I’m having this problem that is now apparently spontaneously gone away,” the resident argued.

The board acknowledged the unique challenges of the situation, expressing empathy and a desire to assist while maintaining fairness across the district. They reiterated their commitment to monitor the situation closely, particularly during the upcoming summer months, when irrigation usage could potentially clarify the source of the high bills.

As the meeting proceeded, the board reviewed the warrant for the 2025 annual meeting, discussing budget allocations and the necessity of a two-thirds majority for approval. They addressed the need for upgrading the radio system, which was added to the warrant, and deliberated over the operational logistics, highlighting the urgency of these initiatives.

Further reports included updates on service leaks, specifically a repair on Fair View delayed due to staff illness. The board also discussed ongoing issues with water pressure, tied to filter performance during pilot testing. Concerns about financial transparency were raised, particularly regarding legal expenses from a complaint about an open meeting law violation.