SerpApi.Org
The City of Rocky Mount has resumed shutting off utilities and charging late fees after months of exceptions due to a utility billing issue that led to back bills.
A recent state audit found the city did not double-bill customers. Instead, auditors said the city was trying to correct billing delays and eliminate a gap between meter-reading dates and billing dates created by the city by mistake.
The line inside Rocky Mount's Business Services Center was almost out of the building on Monday with people who say they got behind and still can't afford to pay.
"My daughter, she got laid off from Pfizer. That's how she got behind on her bills," said Linda Dunston.
Other residents feel like they are paying for a mistake caused by the city.
"I used to run a warehouse...when we made a mistake...we absolved it...when they made a mistake...they sent us a second bill," said Marcy Samuel.
In a Facebook post, the city promises "accurate billing, clear communication, and responsive customer service" going forward. Plus, the city said it would offer "payment arrangements" to residents.
However, when residents said they called to discuss their options, they couldn't get through.
WRAL News also tried calling the business services center and got a dial tone.
In a Facebook post making residents aware of the return of penalties, the city said customers are encouraged to:
• Keep their contact information current.
• Respond promptly to courtesy notifications.
• Contact the Business & Collections Office if they need assistance or would like to discuss payment arrangements.
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