Information Product
	Title:		An Ordinance Providing for the Re-reading of Water Meters and the Cost Thereof
	Summary:		An ordinance allowing for an additional meter reading charge when vicious dogs require a re-reading of the water meter.
	Original Author:		Darden, Ron
	Co-Author:
	Product Create Date:		06/19/2012
	Last Reviewed on::		06/19/2012
	Subject:		Water distribution--Meters; Animal control--Municipal ordinances; Municipal ordinances
	Type:		Ordinance

Original Document: Reference Documents: Text of Document: Ordinance Number___ An Ordinance Providing for the Re-reading of Water Meters and the Cost Thereof Whereas, vicious dogs often interfere with the scheduled reading of water meters requiring the re-reading of water meters at an additional cost to the city; and Whereas, it is contrary to state law for vicious dogs to run lose; and Whereas, the county does not have an animal control officer to enforce state law requiring that vicious dogs be restrained; now Therefore, Be It Ordained by the City of Whitwell, Tennessee as follows: Section 1. Additional Water Meter Reading Charge-The City of Whitwell Water Department may assess an additional charge of $50.00 per re-read of a water meter caused by vicious dogs or a vicious dog in the immediate area of the water meter. Section 2. Assessment of Additional Charge-Such re-read charge shall be assessed on the monthly customer water bill and failure to pay may result in the discontinuance of water service in addition to other penalties provided by law. Section 3. Customer Hearing-A water customer assessed for an additional meter reading due to vicious dogs may within five (5) calendar days of the billing date, request a hearing before the city manager. Such assessment shall be stayed pending the outcome of the hearing. The decision of the city manager shall be final. Section 4. Other Remedies-The city meter reader is authorized to use dog repellant, such as pepper spray, when confronted by vicious dogs while attempting to read a water meter. Section 5. Effective Date-This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days following publication in a newspaper of general circulation or by notice on the customer water bill. Passed 1st reading__________________________ Passed 2nd reading__________________________ Passed 3d reading__________________________ __________________________________ ______________________________________ Mayor Attest: City Recorder City Attorney Approved as to Form

	Please remember that this ordinance was drafted based upon the drafting requirements and authority granted to a particular city or town in its charter and in general law. These drafting requirements and the authority exercised in this ordinance might not apply to your city or town. Please confer with your city attorney or an MTAS legal consultant, or both, before using this ordinance as a model.