MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- From Memphis Light, Gas, and Water concerns to anti-blight and beautification efforts, Memphis leaders are working to make the city a destination location.
During the city council meeting, MLGW addressed several issues when it came to delayed billing and faulty meter equipment.
It’s an issue that’s been going on for quite some time.
MLGW customer Elonda Reed says she had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
“I did pay $900 within two months, but I haven't been on the program. I went to the board meeting. I mean, I've been constantly speaking with them. I've been letting them know, but I've been going through this," said Reed.
Customers say delayed MLGW bills cost them a fortune
On Tuesday, MLGW leaders went before the council to ask for additional equipment to address the years-long problem.
“All we asked for today was about 5000 of these. To stay ahead of any that fail in the future, and to give us some to put into new installations, into residential areas," said MLGW President Doug McGowen.
The water meter registers cost about $300,000. Some customers believe the process is taking too long to resolve issues.
“If my bill is $341 and I'm on the program for $55. How can my bill jump to $385, then $485?” Reed said. “They need to get them people up out of there who is taking advantage of us people, of us citizens.”
With a $2.2 billion budget, McGowen believes they’re on the right path to making sure residents have access to essential services.
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“For the water meter registers that had failed, we have turned those failed registers in, and the manufacturer has provided this one at no cost to our customers. So, today's was purchased in advance to make sure we always have some of the ones we replaced at no cost to our customers," McGowen said.
Beale Street Landing improvements, amendments to community grant funding, and museum and attractions updates were also on Tuesday’s agenda.
As for MLGW, they have plans to repair water wells and install new ones.
MLGW plans to build four new water wells over 36 months to provide a reliable water supply to its customers. ...read more read less
