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Inkster extends water-bill deadline after data migration error; residents press for fixes
Summary
Mayor Nolan told residents that incorrect water bills stemmed from a data migration error during rollout of a new billing system; staff said corrections will be completed 'within the coming weeks,' bills for June–September are due Dec. 31, 2025, and late fees are suspended while accounts are corrected. Several residents described access and safety problems from ongoing water-main work.
Mayor Nolan told residents gathered at the Oct. 10 Inkster City Council meeting that an error migrating account data into the city's new billing system caused some customers to receive incorrect water bills. "We know that receiving an incorrect water bill, especially one higher than expected, is frustrating and confusing. We sincerely apologize for the billing areas that you may have experienced," Nolan said, adding that about 70 percent of new water meters have been installed.
The mayor said city staff are "working to correct and reconfigure every single account in the new system" and that the full data-migration correction process is expected to be completed "within the coming weeks." To allow time for corrections, Nolan said bills covering June through September will be due Dec. 31, 2025, and that the city has suspended late fees related to these bills until corrected statements are issued: "All bills are not due until 12/31/2025. This will allow us time to apply the correct meter readings and balances to your correct account. We have suspended late fees related to these bills until the corrected statement is issued." (Mayor Nolan)
Residents used the public-participation period to press the council for more detail and relief. Alicia Agakolo said she came to speak about the water bill but that the mayor's statement addressed her concerns. Other residents described problems arising from concurrent water-main and street work. Latasha Wright said construction on Riverview Drive left her effectively unable to access her home and that crews struck a gas line during work, forcing her to leave the house for 24 hours. "I almost passed out. It was so strong," Wright said, adding that the disruption had damaged her vehicle and that she wants answers about compensation and timelines.
City staff responded that paving and closures were necessary in areas where new water mains had been installed and that crews had provided prior notice. A staff member said closures for some paving operations required about eight days for curing. The council encouraged residents to continue working with staff to resolve individual account and construction issues.
Next steps: the city will complete account corrections, reissue accurate bills for the June–September period, and maintain the suspension of late fees until corrected statements are sent. Residents who believe they received an incorrect bill were urged to contact city staff and provide account information for follow-up.
