Water & Gas Meter Project FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Why is my water meter being replaced?

 

Over time, water and natural gas meters become less accurate and can provide inaccurate readings.  By replacing meters, our city will be able to bill more accurately and efficiently for water usage.  In addition, the new system will include an automatic meter reading technology that will save labor time, prevent any recording errors, minimize wear and tear on vehicles, minimize the need for the city to go on the private property of residents, and potentially allow leaks to be identified earlier by analysis of data collected.

 

  1. Does this mean my bill will be increasing?

 

Not necessarily.  In cases where rates remain consistent, the new meters will simply record consumption more accurately.  In some cases, your bill may increase, but only if the current meter is underreporting usage.  Presently some residents are paying for the water and natural gas they are actually using, while other residents are only paying for a fraction of their usage.  This condition is not fair to all residents.  Discussions have already been held within the Utility Department and the City does not intend to make bills retroactive where under-billing has been noted.  The new system will ensure fairness and equality for all the residents and businesses from this point forward.

 

  1. When will this work be performed?

 

The work will be started the week of February 20th of this year.  The entire project will take approximately 3 months.  In most cases the transition will be completely transparent and will not affect the residents.  The majority of work will be performed during normal working hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, however, for some natural gas customers, it may be necessary to do evening hours due to re-lights.

 

  1. How will this affect my service?

 

A contractor will come to your residence and replace your meter.  The meter will be checked to verify that no water or natural gas is presently in use.  If no water or gas is being used the meter will be replaced. There will be interruption of service for approximately 30 minutes during the change, but after that it will be the same great service (and even better) that you’ve come to expect.

  1. How long will it take?

 

In most cases, it’s a simple procedure that will require about 30 min.

 

  1. How do I know who is authorized to do the work?

 

We have contracted with Harshaw Trane & Utility Metering Solutions to conduct this service.  They will be driving UTILITY METERING SOLUTIONS trucks, wearing bright yellow/green shirts identified by “UTILITY METERING SOLUTIONS Meter Replacement Team” and carrying appropriate identification.

 

  1. Do they need to come inside my house?

 

Typically no.  All meters are located outside. However, if there are pilots that need to be re-lit then access to the home will be necessary.  The re-lights will be conducted by Smallman’s Heating & Air Conditioning of Fulton.

 

  1. I’m on vacation or not available that day. Whom do I call?

 

In most cases it will not be necessary for anyone to be home.  The majority of the work will take place near the street in the meter box.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact the utility billing department at (270) 472-1320.

 

  1. Why was I not able to turn on my water after the meter was installed?

 

In rare instances, the main cut-off valve to your home may be left off.  This will occur when the Utility Metering Solutions installation team is not able to pressurize your home following the installation.  The normal cause of this condition is when an inside spigot is opened during the installation and subsequently left open.  The water is not turned back on to ensure a sink or bath tub does not overflow with the resident not home to turn the water off.  In these cases, your water will be left off and a door hanger will be left on your door providing you a point of contact to call to have your water turned back on immediately.

 

  1. Is there any Special Care or maintenance that I need to do to my new meter?

 

No, your new meter does not require any maintenance by the homeowner. As before, the City will take care of all maintenance. However, please know that this new meter has transmitting technology on it that allows your meter to be read remotely.

 

 

 

  1. If I own a business will by gas/water be turned back on immediately?

 

The contractor will contact you and schedule a time that will be convenient with your operation that will be least impactful upon your operation.

 

 

  • I still have questions, where can I get additional information?

 

The City is working with Utility Metering Solutions to answer everyone’s questions as thoroughly as possible.  We have taken the following steps to answer your questions:

  1. Frequently asked Questions and Answers will be posted on the website for the City and can be found at: fulton-ky.com
  2. Residents may contact the Water Billing Office at (270) 472-1320.

City of Fulton Upgrades Street Lights

Written by Benita Fuzzell Fulton Leader News

The City of Fulton recently selected Harshaw Trane to develop a guaranteed energy savings contract pursuant to KRS 45A.352.

Harshaw Trane has analyzed all major energy consumers in the city and consulted with city officials and leadership to develop a solution that will resolve known issues while providing savings and project payback.

The project will include changing all street lighting to LED, making the City of Fulton the second in Kentucky to make the transition to LED for their street lighting infrastructure.

After an extensive audit of Fulton street lighting, that includes physical verification and GIS mapping software, Harshaw-Trane then re-designed the city’s lighting using existing fixture locations.

Specialized software is used to ensure the city is in compliance with all requirements for roadway lighting.

The final solution will address 567 fixtures throughout the city and yield a reduction annually of 446,183 kWh, which is equivalent to a 72.7% reduction in energy usage.

Fulton will benefit from a reduction in maintenance costs, according to Harshaw Trane, due to a 10-year warranty on the new LED fixtures.

Residents of Fulton should benefit from improved lighting quality.

“The project is over 80% complete and will include all the decorative fixtures in the downtown area getting new LED heads which will give downtown an updated look and better lighting,” said Fulton City Manager Cubb Stokes.


Kayser Automotive Systems Announces Expansion in Fulton, KY

Written by Benita Fuzzell Fulton Leader News

What was described as a “marathon beginning last Spring” by Fulton County-Hickman County Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Wendy Puckett, reached the finish line Tuesday morning, with the announcement of the expansion of one Fulton industry, and the return of another to Graves County.

The announcement was made jointly by Fulton County and Graves County economic development leadership at Fulton’s Pontotoc Community Center, where a large crowed gathered to receive the official word Kayser Automotive Systems USA, LP would be expanding and ultimately acquiring the space in Fulton’s Industrial Park having been used by MVP Group, International.

MVP Group, International, will be relocating their facility to Mayfield.

Puckett first thanked a number of individuals, boards and partnerships, including Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, for helping “make Kentucky more competitive and business friendly.”

“Our administration is dedicated to establishing pro-business policies at every level,” said Gov. Bevin. “We are excited for both Kayser Automotive and MVP Group as they move forward with this significant expansion. We anticipate more companies will follow in their footsteps as we work with national, regional, county and community level partners to pave the way for every business in Kentucky to prosper.”

“We appreciate the investment, trust and cooperation which has been extended by all parties and the unity and cooperation in this unprecedented, difficult process associated with two companies, two projects and two communities. We believe what we now have is a win-win solution,” Puckett said.

Stefan Schutte, CEO of Kayser Automotive Systems USA, LP said, “Three years ago, Kayser was introduced here. We are growing, and during that time we added Ford as a customer.” Schutte also noted Kayser will be now associated with Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes, producing their products on the assembly lines.

“The problem was, we ran out of space, We are happy to expand and make use of the MVP building and have our equipment installed there,” he said, adding the company will be reaching out “looking for more people” to employ.

The Fulton facility employs about 60 people in manufacturing and assembling plastic injection-molded and metal parts. Products include fuel tank components, engine and under-hood parts, such as activated charcoal canisters, valves, lines, filters and vent ducting, as well vehicle interior components. Kayser Fulton specializes in development and production from 3D simulation to detailed manufacturing to comprehensive testing, all using the latest technologies.

Rodney Bohannon, Vice President and GM of MVP Group, International echoed the sentiment of how “everyone can win” with the announcement, sharing how Mary Propes, the company’s founder had her roots in Mayfield, starting in 1999 with the home fragrance company.

“We have some great people here in the Fulton plant and we will offer all 69 fulltime employees a position in our Mayfield facility. We understand that not all of them will be able to make the transfer, but we also have our Union City, Tenn. distribution center where there could be transfers,” Bohannon said.

He also offered appreciation to Gov. Bevin for providing “tools to support businesses in Kentucky”.

Fulton County-Hickman County Economic Development Partnership board chairman Greg Pruitt encouraged future joint projects relating to economic development between two or more counties and two or more communities, focusing on regional visions.

“The Fultons and the Clintons can’t do it on our own. Each community is different, but we all want jobs” he said, adding the areas of Tourism and Transportation should also be examined from a joint partnership perspective.

Fulton County Judge-Executive Jim Martin praised the state legislators for the recent “right to work law, important on this state line, as a competitive issue” and commended them for the prevailing wage law being “gone”.

Other speakers at the podium Tuesday morning included Fulton Mayor David Prater, Mayfield Mayor Teresa Rochetti-Cantrell, Dave Anderson, Graves County Economic Development Board Chair, Graves County Judge Executive Jesse Perry, and Ryan Drane, Graves County Economic Development President.

The complex deal took months to assemble, and includes modification various existing financial incentives and jobs-related agreements, equipment purchase plans and relocation logistics.

Parties involved include representatives from both companies, county economic development groups, the Delta Regional Authority, local elected officials and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. A memorandum of understanding was signed recently, detailing the plan.


Great Partnership in Code Enforcement

(copied from City of Paducah Facebook Page)

A great partnership among local cities is pictured. Today a regional meeting was held in Mayfield for code enforcement officials. The group meets quarterly to talk about various topics so that cities can be consistent in their approach to code enforcement. Topics discussed today were mowing season, vacant properties, condemnation, solid waste disposal, chronic nuisance ordinances, and tiny houses. Cities in attendance were Paducah, Mayfield, Fulton, Benton, Murray, and Princeton. This great networking effort was initiated by the Paducah Fire Prevention Division three years ago. The next meeting will be held in Princeton. Thank you Mayfield for hosting today’s meeting!

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City Hall Delayed Opening

City Hall will be opening at 9 on Tuesday  January 17, 2017 due to training.  Sorry for any inconvenience.


Closure for New Years Day

The Fulton City Hall and Departmental Offices will be closed Monday January 2, 2017.  We will reopen on Tuesday January 3, 2017.  This is in observance of New Years Day. Of course our Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works all remain on call.  Remember them on this Holiday as many of them miss spending time with their families in service to keep the community running and protected.