DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Water customers are wondering what’s going on with their bill.
It’s not a matter of it being too high. At least, not yet.
The question: where’s the bill?
Some residents claim they haven’t received a bill since last fall which is leading to concerns about accumulating charges.
Residents like Mandy Keel tell Local 4 she hasn’t signed up for paperless statements and can’t access the online pay portal.
“It’s been several months since I received my last bill,” she said. “We won’t be able to pay a water bill that’s four to six months overdue. It would have to be spread out.”
Paul Vanderplow, director of the Mayor’s Office, explained how the city is addressing these issues by replacing aging water meters with new technology. He noted the municipal infrastructure project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
“About a year ago, the mayor saw an initiative to replace some of our older water meters,” Vanderplow said. “These older meters required physical readings, which took time. Normal water bills were issued every six months under the old system.”
With the new meters, the city aims to reduce billing cycles to every two months. Currently, the city has replaced approximately 700 meters and is on track with its replacement schedule.
Vanderplow acknowledged the challenges residents face during this transition. “We’re still in a transition between an old infrastructure and the new technology,” he said.
“Sometimes, the meter readings take longer than expected, which can lead to residents receiving multiple bills at once.”
Another resident, Tammy Day, shared her shock upon receiving a large bill after a long wait.
“Oh, over $700,” Day said.
Vanderplow emphasized that the city is committed to improving the efficiency and accuracy of the billing process.
“We are trying to ensure our residents receive their bills in a timely manner so they can budget appropriately,” he said.
While the project is on schedule, the city did run into lead service lines. The initiative did run into a delayed start, however Vanderplow said the project is currently on schedule.
Crews did run into lead service lines which lead to replacement work.
As the city continues to install new meters, officials hope to activate reception towers that will allow for monthly readings in the future. However, they acknowledge that communication with residents about these changes could be improved.
