All water meters, two inches (2") and smaller, meter boxes, valve boxes, and covers installed by the City shall be and remain at all times the property of the City, and shall be maintained and repaired when rendered unserviceable by reasonable wear and usage and renewed by the City; provided, where replacements, repairs, or adjustments of such equipment are rendered necessary through the carelessness or negligence of the consumer any expense caused to the City thereby shall be charged and collected from the owner or consumer responsible therefor. (Ord. 529, 10-6-1997)