Farmer questions higher water and electric rates for properties outside Georgetown

Christy Mackoy, owner of Jay-Z Farms, told the council she and family members living behind the fairgrounds have been billed at what she believes are disproportionately high water and electric rates because their property remains outside the village and they declined annexation. Mackoy said she did not find the meter-based gallon counts plausible given her livestock and that the bill jumped after a leak; she said repairs cost her nearly $5,000.

A staff member identified on the record by first name, Travis, replied that the village charges a higher rate for properties outside the village and said the rate can be even higher if a property is eligible for annexation but the owner declines to annex. In the meeting Travis stated the outside rate was "125%" and later the room recorded phrasing along the lines of "125% more than what everyone else pays." Staff offered to meet with Mackoy Monday through Thursday to review meter records and follow up on possible leaks and meter replacement timelines.

The council did not take immediate policy action during the public-comment period. Staff suggested options such as reviewing meter leak-detector logs and meeting with the property owner to reconcile usage readings.

Travis also noted that replacing older meters can cause temporary increases in recorded usage until readings stabilize; Mackoy said the meter change and leak repairs occurred mid-October and that she remains concerned about billing accuracy.