Residents and council press city on high water and sewer bills; staff cites state-mandated rate study

During the Jan. 13 meeting, several council members and residents pressed city staff about unexpectedly high water and sewer bills, numerous rereads, billing inaccuracies and customer-service problems.

Councilmembers reported dozens of complaints from constituents about bills they said had jumped sharply; one council member described many affected residents as fixed-income seniors. Staff explained the city had implemented handheld meter readers, experienced software and 'muting' issues that are being worked through, and said the most extreme bills had been adjusted when errors were confirmed.

A staff speaker explained the recent rate adjustments followed a state-mandated rate study that concluded the city was not generating sufficient revenue to maintain water and sewer systems. "When the state did the rate study, they determined that we were not generating enough revenue to maintain our water and sewer systems," staff said. Staff said they were exploring ways to lessen the burden on low-income and fixed-income residents but cautioned that it was early to change rates after an October implementation.

Residents and council members urged faster, clearer customer service and suggested pursuing grants or other relief options. Staff asked residents with specific issues to contact utility billing and noted supervisors can inspect accounts; the mayor and staff said they would continue work to address concerns.

"Any of those bills that were 2 and $300 have come back and have been adjusted," a staff speaker said. "We have been working through them."