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Residents report high water bills; council requires meter‑reader initials on inspection slips
Summary
Multiple residents reported unexpectedly high water bills; the council approved a motion requiring meter readers to initial the blue inspection slips to document on‑site checks and asked staff to investigate billing anomalies.
Several residents and a council member brought repeated complaints about excessive water bills at the Oct. 1 meeting, citing examples of bills that had risen far above normal amounts. A committee member said they had received multiple complaints, including bills of $700 and over $1,000, and asked whether the water department audits billing or whether an outside review is warranted.
To improve accountability in field checks, the committee member moved that meter readers be required to initial the blue door‑tag inspection slip after completing an on‑site check; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff committed to look into the billing anomalies and check for leaks or metering errors and to follow up with residents.
Council members emphasized the need for clearer documentation when a meter inspection finds no issue — specifically that the field worker should place initials on the ticket to confirm who performed the check — so the water department can process adjustments without placing residents on payment plans automatically.
