Residents of Billings have been grappling with significant water billing issues following the city’s transition to a new billing software system in 2024. Many households reported unexpected spikes in their water bills, leading to widespread concern and frustration within the community.
Community Response and Legal Action
In response to these billing discrepancies, a group of residents has initiated a class-action lawsuit against the city’s Public Works Department. The lawsuit alleges improper billing practices and a failure to adequately address errors, leaving customers to contend with inflated charges and limited avenues for dispute. Specific cases highlighted in the suit include instances where residents’ bills increased from approximately $40 to over $500, and in some cases, exceeding $2,500. The plaintiffs are seeking corrections to the bills and a halt to water shutoffs, which resumed in January for residents without payment plans for outstanding balances.
City’s Position and Audit Findings
The City of Billings has conducted an independent audit to assess the accuracy of the new billing system. City Administrator Chris Kukulski stated that the audit found no inaccuracies in the software itself, though some human errors were identified. Despite these findings, many residents remain skeptical, believing that certain errors were overlooked during the software transition.
Impact on Residents
The billing issues have had a tangible impact on the community. For instance, residents like Ed Johnston and Gary Zacc have gathered over 50 people’s bills to investigate discrepancies and are calling for a fair resolution. Despite the city’s audit findings, they believe some errors were overlooked during the software transition.
Moving Forward
As the legal proceedings unfold, the residents of Billings continue to seek transparency and fairness in the city’s water billing practices. The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and accountability between municipal departments and the communities they serve. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in community discussions to ensure their concerns are addressed and to work collaboratively towards a resolution that restores trust and confidence in the city’s services.