Town Board Approves One-Year Amnesty Period for Meter Tampering Corrections

In a significant move to address water meter tampering, the Water and Sewer Commissioners of Charlton have approved a new policy that grants residents a one-year grace period to rectify any issues with their water meters. This decision, made during the meeting on May 14, 2025, aims to encourage compliance and ensure accurate billing without immediate penalties.

The board initially considered a three-month amnesty period but opted for a longer timeframe after recognizing the logistical challenges of coordinating repairs for over a dozen faulty meters. "Three months is kind of a short window," one commissioner noted, emphasizing the need for residents to have ample time to fix their meters without the fear of fines.

The new policy will allow residents until April 9, 2026, to address any tampering issues. After this period, the town will enforce penalties for any confirmed tampering, aligning with practices in surrounding communities. "This really isn't to make money; it's more about giving people some time to get them fixed," a commissioner explained.

The board also discussed ongoing issues with billing discrepancies related to the Mass Turnpike, indicating that the town is actively investigating potential meter malfunctions. The meeting underscored the board's commitment to maintaining fair and accurate water billing practices while providing residents with the necessary support to comply with regulations.