HURON — In a brief meeting Monday evening, the Huron City Commission approved the second reading of changes to Ordinance 2261-21-81 regarding water service collections and penalties that will change late fees from a percentage of the bill to a flat rate to be set by the governing board.

Current city ordinance states that the water service bills are allowed to charge $2 plus one percent of the total bill, as a late fee on a municipal water bill that is not paid on time.

The change in the billing was presented by Finance Director Paullyn Carey to the commission as a way to bring more consistency and efficiency to the process of collections, should they need to occur. Carey stated that no public input was received after first reading of the ordinance.

The commission also approved the promotion of police officer Bryon Reff to police sergeant.

Water and sewer supervisor Rob Rieger presented the final payment request to Ferguson Enterprises LLC, doing business as Ferguson Waterworks, for the water meter replacement project within the city. The final payment of $96,834.39 was approved.

Carey presented a recommendation from the Capital Asset Committee to purchase a secure signature system in the finance office as the signature stamper is deteriorating. The cost will be $1,350 for new software for the system, which has added security built into the program, according to Carey. This was approved.

The commission also set forth two reminders to the public.

First, Mayor Gary Harrington reminded Huron voters that absentee voting is open now at City Hall during normal business hours through April 8 for the mayoral and school board races.

The other reminder was presented by Commissioner Rich Bragg regarding the pick up of green yard waste bins that will continue citywide on Wednesdays through April 17, after which the pick up will move to the same day as garbage and recycling pick up for residents.