GLENDALE -- Everyone's trying to cut back on expenses during these tough economic times. So, imagine getting a $5,500 water bill and a notice from the city saying you used 1.5 million gallons of water over a two month period.
That's just what happened to Glendale resident, Escott Norton. He decided to fight city hall -- and he won!
Norton says he got the bill and instantly knew there had been some mistake, but the city of Glendale didn't see it that way -- at first.
Officials at Glendale, Water and Power said that there was no evidence the meter reading was wrong and wanted Norton to prove that he didn't use that much water. The bill puzzled the City Council who, regardless of the unusually high meter reading, asked Norton to pay his bill in $950 installments. They did say that maybe the meter reading was wrong, but needed more information.
Norton said there was no evidence that the water was being stolen or that there was any leak on his property. Experts say that even if an underground leak had been detected it would have been noticeable, perhaps causing a sinkhole or structural damage to the home.
After months of arguing, and three payments of $950, Norton finally got the decision he had been hoping for.
Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero agreed something went wrong and that it just wasn't possible for Norton to use that amount of water in 64 days.
Glendale Water and Power agreed to credit Norton for the $2,850 he has already paid. Instead, he will be charged $350 for the period, an amount based on his normal usage, according to General Manager Glenn Steiger.
Norton says he's pleased with the outcome, but will be watching his meter a little more closely in the future.
That's just what happened to Glendale resident, Escott Norton. He decided to fight city hall -- and he won!
Norton says he got the bill and instantly knew there had been some mistake, but the city of Glendale didn't see it that way -- at first.
Officials at Glendale, Water and Power said that there was no evidence the meter reading was wrong and wanted Norton to prove that he didn't use that much water. The bill puzzled the City Council who, regardless of the unusually high meter reading, asked Norton to pay his bill in $950 installments. They did say that maybe the meter reading was wrong, but needed more information.
Norton said there was no evidence that the water was being stolen or that there was any leak on his property. Experts say that even if an underground leak had been detected it would have been noticeable, perhaps causing a sinkhole or structural damage to the home.
After months of arguing, and three payments of $950, Norton finally got the decision he had been hoping for.
Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero agreed something went wrong and that it just wasn't possible for Norton to use that amount of water in 64 days.
Glendale Water and Power agreed to credit Norton for the $2,850 he has already paid. Instead, he will be charged $350 for the period, an amount based on his normal usage, according to General Manager Glenn Steiger.
Norton says he's pleased with the outcome, but will be watching his meter a little more closely in the future.
