BocaJump | Dec. 16, 2011
If your water meter has not been fitted yet with one of the Orion Wi-Fi modules, you can expect to receive a letter from the city beforehand.
Elgin Water Director Kyla Jacobsen said the letter will have the city’s official letterhead, which includes the “ELGIN THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS” logo on the top.
The letter being sent to residents and to businesses explains what the city is doing and asks you to call either the Elgin Finance Department or the Water Meter Shop to schedule an appointment. Installation usually takes less than a half-hour, the letter explains.
If you don’t call, expect a second letter, this one affixed with a bright red box toward the top warning you could have your service shut off if you do not reply,
When you do call schedule, you will be asked to ensure someone is there for a two-hour period on the date the change is to be made.
Jacobsen said there are steps people can take to ensure whoever shows up is a city employee.
First, the city crews drive clearly marked “City of Elgin” vans. If someone claiming to be a city employee shows up in an unmarked vehicle, call the police.
Second, city Water Department employees will be wearing shirts and jackets clearly labeling them as city employees. Third, they also supposed to carry their employee IDs as well.
If you have any doubts, she said, call the police and wait for an officer to confirm they are city employees before letting them into your home or business to do the work.
Finally, if you have not received the letter yet, wait. Jacobsen said the replacement is an ongoing process.
