Water District Creates Some Waves Of Confusion

There’s some confusion in the Jefferson County town of Alexandria over the water line that runs between the communities of Alexandria Bay and Redwood.

Some residents are wondering how they’re getting billed for service, or why they’re getting billed at all.

Judy Pierce owns a hayfield near Browns Corners in the town of Alexandria.

The land is situated near the new water line.

Pierce doesn’t need water from the line and her property isn’t even hooked up to it.

But in January, she got a $470 water bill.

She said she just about went through the ceiling.

“We knew absolutely nothing. All we ever heard was rumors and we didn’t find out anything until we got the billing,” said Pierce.

Her land is part of the water district.

She claims no one from the town ever made the billing situation clear to her.

Her story is not all that unique in the Redwood area.

A handful of people say the water district has them confused.

In Redwood, where people are using the water, there are other concerns about billing.

“The only question that I have is in regards to how our billing is broken down, where the money is appropriated and how it is spent as far as what portion goes where,” said Nate Frost, owner of Frost Small Engine in Redwood.

Former town supervisor Sampie Sutton told 7 News a number of public meetings and hearings were held before ground was broken on the project.

State law requires landowners like Judy Pierce to be included in the water district because even if she doesn’t use the water, the fact the line is there increases the value of her property.

But in Judy’s case she may not have to pay her bill anyway, because her property is zoned agricultural, which can mean an exemption.

Alexandria’s town attorney says officials are reviewing billing procedure for people like Pierce and changes could be made by July.

See Jeff Nelson’s report:

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