Call Kurtis: Malfunctioning Meter Causes 89-Year-Old to be Backbilled Six Months

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — While sitting at her table, putting a puzzle together, Mrs. Cuma Flowers doesn't want to solve the puzzle of her high water bill.

"It was $200 and something," she said.

The 89-year-old says it's double what she normally pays.  The City of Sacramento admits she's now getting billed for six months of service, because her meter malfunctioned.  Flowers says the city wants her to pay all that money in one month; something she can't afford.

"I don't really think it's fair," she said.   "Some things I wanted or needed, I'd have to do without."

I brought the case to Jessica Hess with the city's water department.

Hess says water meters put in about five years ago, need to have their batteries replaced every five to ten years.  She says Mrs. Flowers meter needed a new battery and says the city does have the right to backbill people up to three years.

"We should've offered her a payment plan right from the get go," she said.

Hess says if people cannot afford their water bill, the city has three programs to help including a payment plan if you're in good standing.   The Utility Rate Assistance program offers aid based on income.   The Salvation Army also offers one time help.

Kurtis: "Why wasn't she told this when she called up?"

Hess:  "We hope it's a onetime slip up it didn't get mentioned this time.  We're glad she contacted us through you to ask again, because we're happy to put folks on a payment plan when they need it."

The city is now letting Mrs. Flowers divide up that bill over six months, which she says is much more manageable.

UPDATE:

After our story aired, two generous viewers offered to pay her bill.  We put Mrs. Flowers in touch with them.