Residents raise high water-bill complaints; DPW explains meter-read policy

During public comment a resident said a water backup caused continuous flow for about a month, producing a $1,100 bill. DPW staff explained meters register actual flow and described the village’s practice of giving sewer-relief only when an external leak is documented.

‘‘Typically, the only time that we've ever really given some negotiation with the water bill... is if the leak is identified outside where it's leaking to ground,’’ staff said, adding that the meter in the case at issue produced an actual read. Council members suggested payment plans where appropriate and asked staff to confirm whether any mechanical or reading issues might have caused an unexplained high bill.

The council did not adopt a universal forgiveness policy; instead it left relief as a case-by-case administrative decision tied to documented external leaks and proposed offering payment-plan accommodations for residents with demonstrated need.