Residents press Riviera Beach utility district over high water bills, request meter checks and assistance

Four Riviera Beach residents addressed the utility district during public comment on April 15, raising billing concerns and asking for customer help.

Lloyd Brown told the board he plans to file a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain records on how sewer flow is calculated for individual accounts and how the utility determines customer charges. "If you live in Riviera Beach, don't pay your water bill till they calibrate the meters or they come around and check them out," Brown said, urging the district to verify meters and explain billing differences.

Rochelle Hughes praised a utility staff member, Gary Cochran, for a house visit that helped her understand her bill and the customer portal. "He was courteous, informative, helpful, and very insightful," Hughes said.

Annette Dragon said she applied for senior-assistance with the water bill six weeks earlier, supplied required documentation, and has received no response; she asked how long applicants should expect to wait. Doretta Park urged the board to consider immediate measures — such as placing pallets of bottled water at community centers — to help residents while the new plant is completed and commended staff efforts on other city improvements.

Board members did not promise specific timelines in the public record but staff and contractors later discussed operational and funding status in the meeting. The district did not announce an immediate meter-audit program during the session; staff were asked to follow up on individual assistance applications.