Some people in Somerville are upset over sky-high water bills, but officials in the Massachusetts city said the newer rates are actually more accurate for certain customers.One resident said her water bill was for more than $8,000 while another resident received a bill for nearly $41,500. Harry Agritha said that 18 months ago, he received a bill for more than $13,350 with no explanation at all."When I got the bill, I couldn't sleep," Agritha said. "I couldn't rectify it via email or text, so I came to City Hall."Agritha said he received a corrected water bill for $216.38 from the city weeks later, receiving a reduction of more than $13,000. But he also said he still didn't receive an explanation from the city as to why his water bill was so high in the first place."I still have no idea what happened," Agritha said. "I don't have faith in the accuracy of the bills going forward."The city of Somerville said some customers are getting estimated water and sewer bills because their meter is no longer transmitting readings. The city said as it replaces meters, some may then get a bill for actual usage that's much higher or lower than previous bills. At-Large City Councilor Kristen Strezo is concerned that residents will move out of Somerville if they keep getting these large bills."I think communication is key. If the water bills are that large, I wouldn't put it past it," she said. "It's the death-by-papercut situation where the water bills become too large, where the expenses become a mushroom balloon."The Somerville Water and Sewer Department said it's doing a citywide water meter replacement project for existing equipment.Residents and business owners need to schedule a time for their meter to be replaced.Somerville City Council discussed the water bill issue at its meeting Thursday night."I think it's also worth acknowledging it's just not fair," said City Council President Ben Ewen-Campen. "These are people who got a bill in the mail and they paid it.""I'm devastated that there are so many constituents facing this," Strezo said after the meeting. "One hundred residents out of 1,600 water counts are actually utilizing, and able to utilize, any kind of financial assistance with bill paying. That's a huge disconnect."The city is offering payment plans with interest and seniors can apply for a 25% discount.A public hearing about the issue is scheduled for May 15 at Somerville City Hall. Residents can also attend the hearing virtually.
SOMERVILLE, Mass. —
Some people in Somerville are upset over sky-high water bills, but officials in the Massachusetts city said the newer rates are actually more accurate for certain customers.
One resident said her water bill was for more than $8,000 while another resident received a bill for nearly $41,500.
Advertisem*nt
Harry Agritha said that 18 months ago, he received a bill for more than $13,350 with no explanation at all.
"When I got the bill, I couldn't sleep," Agritha said. "I couldn't rectify it via email or text, so I came to City Hall."
Agritha said he received a corrected water bill for $216.38 from the city weeks later, receiving a reduction of more than $13,000. But he also said he still didn't receive an explanation from the city as to why his water bill was so high in the first place.
"I still have no idea what happened," Agritha said. "I don't have faith in the accuracy of the bills going forward."
The city of Somerville said some customers are getting estimated water and sewer bills because their meter is no longer transmitting readings.
The city said as it replaces meters, some may then get a bill for actual usage that's much higher or lower than previous bills.
At-Large City Councilor Kristen Strezo is concerned that residents will move out of Somerville if they keep getting these large bills.
"I think communication is key. If the water bills are that large, I wouldn't put it past it," she said. "It's the death-by-papercut situation where the water bills become too large, where the expenses become a mushroom balloon."
The Somerville Water and Sewer Department said it's doing a citywide water meter replacement project for existing equipment.
Residents and business owners need to schedule a time for their meter to be replaced.
Somerville City Council discussed the water bill issue at its meeting Thursday night.
"I think it's also worth acknowledging it's just not fair," said City Council President Ben Ewen-Campen. "These are people who got a bill in the mail and they paid it."
"I'm devastated that there are so many constituents facing this," Strezo said after the meeting. "One hundred residents out of 1,600 water counts are actually utilizing, and able to utilize, any kind of financial assistance with bill paying. That's a huge disconnect."
The city is offering payment plans with interest and seniors can apply for a 25% discount.
A public hearing about the issue is scheduled for May 15 at Somerville City Hall. Residents can also attend the hearing virtually.
