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Water bill ‘glitch’ to be fixed in Martins Ferry

MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry water customers may have noticed an increase in their water bill this month, but it is a mistake in the billing system that will be fixed, said Mayor John Davies on Thursday.

Davies addressed the issue via social media earlier this week, describing the mishap as “a glitch” in the water billing department.

Residents discovered that their latest water bills were much higher than in previous months, leading some to believe there had been a rate hike. However, Davies said there was no rate hike, just a mistake that will be fixed in the billing system.

“Apparently the adjustment did not make the water bill as it was supposed to this month and the clerk that makes the adjustment is on vacation this week so I will straighten it out Monday and make the credit if one is due on next month’s bill,” Davies wrote on social media.

“To clarify a few questions, the minimum was supposed to raise to 4,000 gallons from 2,500 gallons for the same amount and then the typical charges apply after that. The minimum amount for the bill remains the same … Plus we waived the 3 percent increase that is mandatory by city ordinance for the month starting in June.”

Davies on Thursday said he plans to speak with the water department clerk to learn exactly what might have happened.

“We’re going to make it right,” he said.

He noted it was possible the change in the minimum gallons from 2,500 to 4,000 might have automatically triggered the 3-percent increase, but he plans to find out for sure this week. Davies, along with the city’s department heads, have been extra busy this week helping with trash collections, as a sanitation department worker tested positive for COVID-19. The worker is on quarantine, along with 17 others who work in the building, the city garage.

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