Fall River Council Demands Westport Pay Overdue Water Bills

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing issues between Fall River and Westport regarding water billing and record-keeping discrepancies. The Florida Water Department raised concerns about Westport's accuracy in maintaining records and meter readings, leading to a breakdown in communication between the two municipalities.

Council members expressed frustration over Westport's failure to pay approximately $300,000 owed for water usage over a five-year period. The discussion highlighted the complexities of the inter-municipal agreement, which has allowed Westport to pay significantly less than Fall River residents for water services. The current markup for Westport is set at 70% above the residential rate in Fall River.

Councilor Kadeem emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that if Westport does not pay its bills, water services should be shut off. This sentiment was echoed by other council members who argued that municipalities should be held to the same standards as individual taxpayers. The council is considering sending a letter to the Watupa Water Board urging them to collect the outstanding debt.

The meeting also revealed that both municipalities had previously failed to monitor water usage effectively, contributing to the current financial dispute. Councilor Pereira pointed out that the lack of oversight allowed Westport to accumulate a significant debt without proper accountability.

As discussions progressed, it became clear that the council is divided on how to proceed. Some members advocate for a more aggressive approach to collect the owed funds, while others prefer to maintain a cooperative relationship with Westport to facilitate future agreements. The council is expected to vote on a motion to formally request the collection of the outstanding debt, with updates to be provided within 60 days.

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but it underscores the challenges municipalities face in managing intergovernmental agreements and ensuring financial accountability.