GOLDEN, Miss. (WTVA) -- How does a $400 water bill sound?
That actually happened in Itawamba County where one water association is coming under fire.
Scott Parish is not happy about his water bill. It doubled, and he wants to know why. His water consumption is usually about the same.
It could have been much worse as Reverend Waldo Nichols and his wife Hazel found out from their neighbors.
"Ours here lately has been about normal, but a lot of our neighbors (have been) complaining bad," Reverend Nichols said.
"One of our neighbors called us and said one of their daughters lived down below them and it was like 15 cents being $90 and another one was $70 and they (were) real concerned. I think it needs to be looked into," Hazel Nichols said.
That's exactly what is taking place by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
The agency is responding to 85 complaints.
It's trying to determine if meters are being read on a monthly basis.
"Customers should have an expectation for their meter to be read and get that type of service from their utility company, and so it is incumbent upon the board to ensure those things are being done," Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said.
Northeast Itawamba Water Association Board President Ralph Burks said board members are doing just that.
They are not pointing any fingers, but they are going to see if meters are being read consistently.
"That's just an idea we have at this time. We do not know that for a fact as of yet, but it's one we'll visit, and we'll come up with a solution," Burks said.
Back at Scott Parish's house, he is convinced his meter is not being read monthly. The association leaves a paint mark after each reading. Each month has a different color.
"Each month, it's got a different color of paint, and mine hasn't got but one paint mark on it," Parish said.
Burks said one thing they know for sure is the meter readings are correct and customers will have to pay their bills.
Those with extremely high bills may be allowed to pay the money over a 12 month period.
