Resident challenges $659 water bill; staff to test meter and resident advised to apply for adjustment

A resident of Lakeside Living Center told the board she received a $659.60 water bill and disputed the usage record, saying she did not see continuous water flow at her property.

"I received a $659.60 water bill... the wheel is not spinning, so it's not a leak," the resident said, asking staff to check and possibly replace the meter. City staff replied that Curtis had inspected the meter and that the recorded daily usage matched the billing report. "That water's been used," a staff member said, explaining that daily consumption logs showed spikes in January and February. Staff said they would pull the meter for testing and advised the resident to complete a formal adjustment request form.

The mayor and board noted that the council would later review the city's water and sewer adjustment policy; the attorney referenced an Attorney General opinion that municipalities are not required to reduce utility bills for customer‑side breaks but may do so at their discretion. Staff recommended the board consider adding an affidavit requirement and clearer ordinance language to document repairs and limit adjustments. The board later tabled a proposed ordinance change and asked staff to draft sample language for the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will pull and test the resident's meter, provide the resident with an adjustment form and include the issue in the board's policy review on adjustments.