Error found in Cochran meters causes delayed bills, city warns of “changes” in future billing

The City of Cochran has announced residents will see changes to their utility billing after an error was found in the way city water meters calculate usage.

In a statement released Friday, Cochran officials say the city recently became aware of an error that multiple water meters across the city were “factored incorrectly,” causing customers to be incorrectly billed for over a year.

About a year and a half ago, the city began replacing many of its meters across the city after previous ones began showing signs of aging.

“During [the replacement] process, we received different types of meters that were factored incorrectly based on the way our utility billing system calculates usage,” the statement read. “At the time, we were unaware that these meters were not being calculated correctly.”

According to the statement, the city’s billing clerk is actively working to research the issue and review accounts the error may have affected.

“We are now working to bring everything into a uniform billing process, meaning the meters in the field and the way usage is calculated will accurately match the City’s billing system,” the statement continued. “As these adjustments are made, some customers may notice changes in their bills.”

The statement goes on to say that the city understands that changes to billing may “create an unexpected financial strain for some customers,” adding that city hall will offer payment extensions and other pay arrangements “where appropriate.”

The statement did not address how the meters became “incorrectly factored,” what the new changes in billing might look like or whether or not customers will be expected to pay for the mistake.

The City of Cochran first put out a statement on Sept. 29, announcing utility bills had been pushed back due to “billing updates” that caused the billing process to take place later than it typically does. 

This meant residents would receive their bills “later than [they] normally would.”

Because of this, the post said, the due date for all utility bills was extended from Oct. 10 to Oct. 15. 

“We understand that receiving your bill later may give you less time to make your payment,” it read. “This will give everyone a few additional days to receive their bill and get their payment in on time.”

Three days later, the City of Cochran posted the second statement, announcing the error.

According to Interim City Manager Angela Redding, there were no updates she could give as of Monday, but she did say the situation would be discussed during city council’s work session on Thursday.

The topic may also come up Tuesday night during Mayor Carla Coley’s town hall meeting at the city auditorium.