Mayor John W.D. Bowling, who also owns rental property, suggested the city charge the tenant or the landlord a deposit to help cover the cost of leaks.
Commissioner Terry Crowley, who does not own rental property, said he didn't see how charging a deposit would help in situations where there is a leak. City Manager Darrell Blenniss said it wouldn't solve the problem, but it could help.
Commissioner Alex Stevens, who used to own rental property, said he didn't have many problems with tenants.
Blenniss said many tenants call the city to say they've reported a leak, but the landlord will not fix the problem.
Commissioners also were concerned about a policy that requires a landlord to tell the city when a tenant vacates their property.
Other water policies
Here are some of the other water policies:
* No application for water service will be approved if the resident owes the city money on a water bill, past or present. The city can require that water service be put in the property owner's name.
* The city can enter premises, at reasonable times, to read, examine, exchange, inspect or test a water meter.
* A penalty is charged on the day an account becomes past due. After 90 days, the names of those with delinquent amounts can be published, they can be referred to a collection agency, reported to collection agencies, or the city can take legal action in Boyle District Court.
* Returned check charge is $25. Reconnection fee is $25. Transfer of service to another address is $15. Unauthorized alteration of services is $500.
* Customers can sign up for a payment plan, if they apply before water service has been cut off. If the total bill is between $50 and $150, then the customer can apply for a 30-day extension, but they must pay half the amount at the time of application.
Customers who owe more than $150 can apply for an extension for 30 to 180 days, but must pay half of the bill at the time of application.
Those who are on a payment plan must not miss a payment or their water service will be cut off immediately.
* Customers who do not pay their water bills on the due date of the second notice will have their water service terminated.
* Water bills will be adjusted only for leaks if the city finds the leak is underground, and not visible to the customers. The city will make only two adjustments in the life of the property's water line.
