Mills council agrees to adjust $988 water bill for tenant property pending inspection

Lucia Hale, speaking for a property owner identified as Jeff, asked the Mills City Council on an open-comments agenda item to adjust an unusually high water bill after a hidden leak at a rental unit in Mills on Chalmers.

Hale said the account reached $988.11 after the utility company first told the customer there was no continuous leak and later called to demand immediate shutoff. "The bill, which I have right here, is up to $988.11," Hale said. She said her renter paid a plumber to repair a separated kitchen supply pipe within 24 hours and provided a receipt.

Council members and staff discussed two separate issues: whether to reduce the billed amount and whether the contractor who performed the repair was properly licensed to…