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Residents press county on rising water bills; commissioners pledge to investigate city billing disparities
Summary
Residents told commissioners that City of Jasper water bills ‘tripled’ in some households and asked why unincorporated residents are billed differently; commissioners said county wholesale rates vary by source and promised to investigate and meet with city officials.
During the guest‑comment portion of the Pickens County meeting, several residents raised concerns about water bills issued by the City of Jasper and asked the county to explain billing and rate differences for areas outside the city limits.
Mister Cooter described large increases in his household bill and asked whether the county charges the city a flat rate or bills based on water volume. He said, “But it's tripled to what it was several months ago.” Commissioners replied that the county sells water to the city at rates that vary by the source of supply — Cherokee, Gilmer or Cowan contracts — and that wholesale rates can range by location. Unidentified Speaker 1 said the county pays differing wholesale rates depending on which line supplies a given area and pledged to explore the issue with legal counsel and Jasper officials to seek an explanation for disparate consumer bills.
Other public commenters urged clearer communication to new residents about whether they live inside the city or in unincorporated Pickens County — a point commissioners said has caused confusion about taxes and services. One commenter suggested the city consider impact fees for new developments to offset sewer upgrades.
Next steps: Commissioners said they will meet with Jasper officials and counsel to seek clarity on rate structures and return with findings or recommendations; county staff also committed to improved public communication about jurisdictional differences.
