Computer glitch responsible for sewer bill undercharges

Staff report

A computer error at the city of Clovis led to some customers receiving a pair of sewage bills this month.

The city, by ordinance, recently increased sewage rates by $1 per month. That led to a bill increase of $3.16, including gross receipt taxes and the city’s quarterly billing.

The rate change was entered, but due to a glitch didn’t at first appear. City staff caught the glitch, but not before bills were sent out for about 3,000 customers.

City Finance Director LeighAnn Melancon said the city decided to send those customers another letter explaining the undercharge, along with the option to pay it any time before the next billing cycle or have it added on the next quarter’s bill.

Melancon said she’s received a few calls about the matter, but most people have been satisfied with the explanation of the $3.16 undercharge.

The error resulted in about $1,400 in postage to send the second notices, plus material and labor costs, to bill the estimated $9,400.

Melancon said the city considered tacking on the extra $3.16 on next quarter’s bill, but felt this approach would be easier for customers than an additional $6.62 charge with no warning.

“I felt it was our responsibility to let the citizens know about the charges,” Melancon said. “If we make a mistake, we’re going to admit we made a mistake.”