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Residents press council over double water bills and property damage from meter installs; city says billing is being caught up
Summary
Residents questioned why some received consecutive water bills and raised concerns about yard and curb damage after meter installations; city staff said billing was being brought current after installing roughly 7,500 meters (about 90% coverage) and that late fees were being waived for the remainder of the fiscal year while individual cases are reviewed.
At public comment April 20, multiple Inkster residents pressed the council about recent water bills and damage associated with a year‑long meter replacement program.
Sandra K. Watley told the council she received what appeared to be two bills in a short window and said customer service staff were unable to explain why. She asked, “Why are we getting two a month?”
City staff acknowledged billing had fallen behind during the new meter installation period and said recent mailings reflect an effort to get accounts back on a monthly schedule. Staff said the city was not rolling overdue balances onto property taxes for this period, the deadline shown on the recent bills is May 20, and the city is waiving late fees for the remainder of the fiscal year while it reviews individual cases.
Other residents brought photos and detailed complaints about front‑yard, curb and sidewalk damage they attribute to the contractor identified in comments as Major Contract. A resident said a burst pipe had been unrepaired for more than five months and that heavy equipment left lawns and pavement in poor condition.
Treasury staff reported that roughly 7,500 water meters — approximately 90% of customers — have been installed over the past year and that remaining installs will be performed by the Department of Public Services. The city said it reviews individual disputed bills, responds in writing and conducts on‑site inspections when requested.
Councilmembers urged residents to bring documented photos and to contact city staff directly so the city can respond to individual cases. Staff repeatedly encouraged residents to come to city hall or call to request a review of their bill and to request in‑person appointments when needed.
The council did not vote on any billing policy changes at the meeting; staff said they are reviewing cases and will continue communications with affected customers.
