Can You Sue City Hall?

[Semasa]

What is the name of yourI went on vacation in June. When I returned, on a Sunday, water was pouring out of the water line just on my side of the water meter. I called a plumber and paid $200 to get it fixed. I called the city who sent a rep to my house. I showed him how the pipe was damaged by the water meter reader, the plumber told me it was almost certainly him by the way it was broken and the location of the break, and a neighbor said it started leaking soon after the meter reader was by. (I don't know why she didn't call the city or somebody, but I can't answer for her) The city rep said he could see that it was their fault and that they would pay for the plumbing bill and reimburse me for the water. Of course, now that it's time for them to pay up, this man's boss denies everything and they are refusing to pay, saying that I can't prove it, so they aren't paying and that's that.
Is there anything practical that I can do about this? My out of pocket costs so far for their mistake is about $450. I understand about small claims court, but would I get nothing but the Wrath of God (the city) down upon me for filing against them? Any other way to get what they promised me?
Thanks very much for any advice you may offer me.

[tranquility]

Not for that amount. Sorry. While, in theory, you can fight city hall--you really can't.

[LSCAP]

I'm getting gun shy.

It might have helped if the OP said what city and state. I know for a fact that people used to sue NYC all the time and collect.

Yet, near where I currently live, they won't entertain suits of less than a certain amount.