Water Bill Extension Deferred in Council

The Metro Council delayed action on any controversial legislation at an abbreviated meeting last night.

Council members deferred a bill on the second of three readings that would have given Metro Water customers an additional 10 days to pay their water bills. Opponents say the extension could cost the department 2-to-3 million dollars each year. Right now, Metro Water collects some 5-million dollars in late payments annually. The department is already planning a rate hike in coming months to help pay for infrastructure improvements.

Also deferred was a significant expansion of the Metro Auditors Office. The legislation would give auditor Mark Swann an additional five staff members.