The main water shut off valve on my side of the meter is corroded, how do I shut off the water to replace the valve and can I do it with a ball valve?

You can use a ball valve or a gate or any other valve you want but the ball is the better option. Chances are the city will need to come out and shut off your water outisde at their box if there is not other shut off immediately on the other side of the meter.

The city may want to see your license too.

In our case, we went to the water company and "borrowed" the tools for a deposit. Outside the house, there is usually a small metal circular plate with a pentagon recessed screw in it.
One tool removes the cover. The other tool is basically a long T handle to reach the valve under the frost line. It's called a curb stop valve.

Sometimes you need someone to come out and locate where it's buried. It's usually inline with the entry point to the house and close to the street. Close, could be 6'.

Here is some info for Wisconsin:
Reconnection Charges




During Normal Business hours


After Normal Business Hours

Reinstallation of meter, including turning on valve at curb stop.




$36.00




$50.00



Valve turned on at curb stop.


$20.00


$28.00


Note: A curb stop is the outside shut off valve near your property line. A licensed plumber with proper paperwork can shut off and turn on the curb stop with no charge from the Water Utility. The Water Utility will not shutoff or turn on the curb stop for private plumbing. In the case of an emergency, the Water Utility will shut off the water and your plumber will do the turn on, for this the Water Utility does not charge.

It didn't paste right. The prices are before and after regular business hours.