verbal notification ???

[Tired_Tootie]

I feel somewhat embarrassed asking a question that may be minor to others; however, to me it is not only the monetary issue but also the point.

My problem is dealing with the City Water Works. Coming from a small community where everyone knows everyone, there are no contracts signed. I lived in this community for almost my entire life except for a couple of years. My problem...

We've had water payments set up until my husband took a job in another state in 2/07. It wasn't until a few months later when I received a water bill that I realized my husband discontinued the automatics to which I promptly went and paid. The kids and I followed my husband in 7/07; however, prior to us leaving I spoke with "Dorothy" from the Water Works in 6/07 and told her to put all services on hold until I came back at the end of August. It's a long story to why I was going back, anyway she said "well it would hardly pay for that short of a time" and the conversation changed to something else and then I left.

It turns out that I was unable to make it back until the end of October. I noticed that all the services were still on. I assumed that since they knew I was out of town and not using the services I wasn't being billed for them. I stayed until the end of December and then I returned to be with my family. In January, we received an end of the year statement along with an outstanding bill for $258. They knew I was in town for only two months yet they charged for the previous months. I should also state that a young new auditor took over "Dorothy's" position during this time. I wrote back 2/08 explaining to the new auditor what had happened and asked for the bill to be adjusted for the two months I was there and also asked if there was a way to set up the account so I wouldn't have to pay unnecessary fees (turn on water) when I returned in the summer. I explained in the letter I wanted to be as economical as possible and didn't want too be paying unnecessary fees if I didn't have to. I received a call from "Kay" she said that "if that is what Dorothy said then they would take off those months" and she stated that it would be cheaper to shut the water off and have it turned back on for $25 otherwise I would be paying the monthly fees no matter if I was there or not. I agreed with her. She said I would have to talk to "Dee" who handles the water billing.

After speaking with “Dee” I find out not only is she going to charge me for the months of July-October but also the months of January-current because I didn't give them an official notice. I thought my verbal conversation with Dorothy and Kay but also my letter that expressed my obvious intentions was enough. Not only that she is going to charge a $50 for a reconnect fee since the bill was past due and it was over a certain $ amount. I feel I'm responsible for the two months that I was there. I know I will have to just suck it up and pay it but it's the point behind it. Even if I wanted to dispute it, who would I contact? The city council? The mayor? I’m looking forward to hearing what your advice will be for me. Thank you in advance!What is the name of your state?

[Zigner]

I advise you to pay your bill and mail all future notifications with a return-receipt requested.