In a recent government meeting, residents of Huntington, Tennessee, expressed their frustrations over unexpectedly high water and sewer bills, prompting discussions about billing practices and municipal code compliance. One resident, who received a bill of $601 after months of underbilling, raised concerns about the accuracy of meter readings and the city’s failure to adjust the bill according to established guidelines.

The resident detailed a meeting with city officials where it was revealed that their water meter had not been read for over a year, leading to arbitrary billing amounts. Despite state law allowing such practices, the resident argued that municipal code 18152 mandates adjustments for unexplained high bills, which were not applied in their case. The resident's average bill over the previous three months was $89.13, significantly lower than the recent charge.

Another family reported a staggering bill of approximately $2,200, which they contested without success. The mayor mentioned a private donor who would cover the difference, a statement that raised eyebrows among council members and residents alike, with accusations that the city was mismanaging funds intended for community assistance.

During the meeting, Mayor Smothers acknowledged issues with meter readings and confirmed that the city is transitioning to an automatic meter reading system. He stated that adjustments had been made for other customers affected by similar billing errors, but no adjustments were offered to the resident who raised the complaint. The mayor denied any existence of a \"slush fund\" for covering bills, countering claims made by the resident.

Council members questioned the city’s accountability and the integrity of its billing practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to municipal codes. The discussion highlighted a broader concern about the trust between the city and its residents, as many felt that the city had not adequately addressed the billing discrepancies or communicated effectively about the issues.

As the city navigates these challenges, residents are calling for a fair resolution and adherence to established billing policies to ensure that all citizens are treated equitably. The meeting underscored the importance of accountability in municipal services and the need for clear communication between city officials and the community.