Residents tell Compton council water bills and shutoffs are disrupting families

Several residents used the council’s public-comment period to report personal hardships tied to Compton’s water billing and collection practices.

Dion Powell said he awoke to find his water shut off despite a recent partial payment of $110 and while on a payment plan; he said staff at the utility office were unhelpful and that accumulated pandemic-era arrears had left him facing multiple utility obligations on a limited income.

‘‘I woke up this morning to no water after paying a $110 partial bill two days before,’’ Powell said. He asked staff to contact him immediately and the city’s assistant city manager took his contact information at the meeting.

Other commenters described apparent inconsistencies in posted fees and reconnection charges. Jacqueline Nelson said she had seen a $40 startup charge and inconsistent reconnection fees that appeared as $50 on some bills and $61 on others this year. Marie Veril of the Latino Chamber of Commerce said many residents also see a recurring $12 monthly late charge added even after a payment is made.

Council members asked the city manager to provide an updated report on water billing operations and directed staff to follow up individually with residents who flagged service disconnections or billing errors. At least one resident (Dion Powell) was given direct contact with a city manager’s office representative during the meeting.

The meeting record shows multiple requests for a formal staff report and for the city to clarify billing mechanics, late fees and reconnection charges. Council members also noted the broader community concern about the water department’s customer service and the need to present consistent fee schedules and clear communication to vulnerable households.