The City Council of Mount Vernon, Ohio, held a meeting on August 14, 2025, where a significant discussion centered around a resident's concerns regarding a high water usage bill linked to a suspected leaky toilet. The resident, Miss Reich, expressed frustration over the billing process and the lack of timely communication from the water billing office.

During the meeting, it was revealed that Miss Reich's property had been vacant since May 26, 2025, and she had received a high usage letter postmarked July 19, which prompted her to contact the water billing office. Despite her claims that the house had minimal activity and that plumbing repairs had been made, the city staff indicated that the high usage could be attributed to a running toilet. The council discussed the challenges of addressing such issues, emphasizing that the city must treat all water usage equally, regardless of whether it is from a leak or normal consumption.

The council acknowledged that while they strive to alert residents about unusual water usage, the responsibility ultimately lies with the property owner to monitor their usage. The discussion highlighted the need for improved communication and alert systems to prevent similar situations in the future. The council also noted that the costs associated with water treatment remain constant, regardless of the source of the water usage, which complicates the billing process for residents.

In conclusion, the council's deliberations underscored the importance of transparency and responsiveness in municipal services, particularly regarding water billing and customer service. The city plans to review its communication strategies to better inform residents about their water usage and any potential issues.