City Starts Enforcing Water Shutoffs

Staff Writer

Water shutoffs for the city of Wills Point were cut in half during the month of March. In February, city crews shut water off to 98 residences. In March the number dropped to 42.

The city has adopted a policy of no extensions past the 26th of each month, and interim city manager Bob Brockman expects the number of shutoffs each month to continue to drop.

"I would expect the number to get down to around 20 every month," Brockman said. "But we have to be as efficient as possible in the way that we operate, so the policy of no extensions will remain in place."

Part of the need for the policy is an estimated $250,000 of unpaid debt to the city.

"Actually, that number (the debt) is coming down also," Brockman said. "We are actively pursuing old debts, and we have a collection agency that is being effective in that regard."

The city also wrote five citations for persons that broke the seal on the meter and turned their water back on after it was shutoff in February. That number was reduced to one in March.

"The fine for that action is up to $500, and we will pursue that any time it happens," Brockman said.

In other city news, Brockman reported that the code enforcement officer has written 50 certified letters regarding high weeds, trash or junk around residences.

Recipients of the letter have 10 days to rectify the problem, or face a fine of up to $500.