Oxford Town Hall Meeting Ignites Over Escalating Water Bills and Quality Concerns

Concerns Over Water and Sewer Services Spark Town Hall Meeting in Oxford

Residents Speak Out About Escalating Bills and Water Quality Issues

On Tuesday, the charming city of Oxford served as the backdrop for an important town hall meeting led by Public Service Commissioner for the Northern District, Chris Brown. The gathering at the Oxford Conference Center attracted concerned residents, particularly from the Wellsgate neighborhood, eager to voice their worries regarding Great River Utility’s water and sewer services.

The town hall surrounded pressing issues such as escalating water bills, alleged questionable financial practices, and ongoing water quality problems, which have manifested in frequent boil-water notices. Many residents displayed their frustration over how these issues have been affecting their daily lives.

Brown opened the discussion by addressing the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) decision to deny a rate increase requested by Great River Utility back in January. This denial was a reaction to concerns about the utility’s financial data and its accuracy. “While we found some ‘smoke,’ there wasn’t any definitive ‘fire’ during our initial inquiry. We want to ensure we protect you, the ratepayer,” Brown explained during the meeting.

After the PSC denied the rate hike, Great River Utility chose to implement a bonded rate increase. Brown clarified that under current laws, utilities can impose such increases by purchasing a bond, which can later be refunded to customers if the hike is deemed unjustified. This twist has put residents in a tight spot, prompting the PSC to schedule public hearings on the situation, with the first set to take place in November.

Residents Share Their Concerns

During the town hall, individuals took the opportunity to share their personal experiences with rising water bills. One resident shocked the audience with a monthly bill of $211, which was even higher than their electricity bill! Others recounted alarming figures, with some bills soaring to an eye-popping $600, $800, or even $1,000, especially for those with irrigation systems. One particularly striking claim came from a resident whose water meter recorded an incredible 208,000 gallons of water usage in just one month.

Aside from bills, other concerns included frequent boil-water notices and low water pressure during peak morning hours, which understandably left many residents feeling anxious about the safety and reliability of their water supply. Brown reassured everyone that the PSC would take all reports seriously and dig deeper into the complaints presented.

Pursuing Transparency

Brown went on to explain that shortly after taking office in January, the PSC began reviewing Great River Utility’s financial records and discovered several discrepancies that raised eyebrows. Great River Utility claims to have invested over $900,000 in wastewater upgrades and nearly $500,000 in freshwater improvements, arguing these costs justify the proposed rate increases. Yet, Brown expressed skepticism about this claim, noting that their current rates are considerably higher than those of comparable providers throughout the state.

If the PSC ultimately denies the rate increase and formal allegations are made against Great River Utility, the utility is likely to appeal in Chancery Court. In such a scenario, a judge would determine whether the utility indeed overcharged customers. Should this occur, Great River could be ordered to reimburse affected customers for those excessive charges.

Final Thoughts

In a call to action, Commissioner Brown encouraged residents to continue sharing their bills and concerns, emphasizing that community input is crucial to the ongoing investigation. Residents can reach out to his office via email at northern.district@psc.ms.gov to voice their concerns.

As the town hall wrapped up, it was clear that the community’s participation is vital as they work to ensure accountability and transparency in their utility services. It’s an ongoing story that residents will be closely watching as it develops.