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Macclesfield approves new policy to adjust water bills after unidentified leaks
Summary
The Town of Macclesfield adopted a new leak-adjustment policy: if a residential water bill is unusually high due to a leak and the leak is repaired, the bill will be adjusted to double the customer’s normal bill plus taxes and services, with proof required.
The Town of Macclesfield Board of Commissioners on Oct. 14 adopted a formal policy to adjust residential water bills when an unexplained leak causes abnormally high usage.
The policy, introduced after a resident reported an 85,000-gallon bill, requires customers to provide proof and receipts showing the leak was found and repaired. Under the motion approved by unanimous vote, adjusted bills will be calculated as twice the customer’s normal bill amount plus applicable taxes and any additional service charges.
Commissioner Jean Wooten-Jiles brought the resident’s concern to the board’s attention during public comment, and Commissioner Jason Taylor moved to formalize the policy; Commissioner Paula Lewis seconded the motion and it carried with no opposition. The board discussed limits and the need for receipts as conditions for adjustment.
Town officials did not specify a cap on the adjustment beyond the ‘‘double normal bill’’ formula and said staff will implement procedures for verifying repairs before crediting accounts. The board instructed staff to document the process and report results at future meetings.
The action follows testimony from resident Stacy Bridgers, who asked for relief after receiving a bill showing 85,000 gallons of usage. The board’s new rule applies only to cases where customers can demonstrate that a leak occurred and has been fixed; further operational details will be developed by staff.
