WWII Veteran says he's stuck with $1500 bill
By
Nicole Papageorge, WINK News
Story Created:
Sep 30, 2008 at 5:11 PM EST
Story Updated:
Sep 30, 2008 at 6:24 PM EST
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. - An 86-year-old World War II Veteran says he's stuck with a $1500 water bill. He tells WINK News he never used that water and shouldn't have to pay.
According to his billing statements, Orris uses about 3000 gallons of water every month. In July, Charlotte County Utilities billed him for using 133,000 gallons. That's enough to fill up four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
"I live alone here," says Orris. "I don't have a wife to take baths a lot, I don't garden, I only have a little yellow cat."
Orris did what anyone would do in that situation, he called the water company. Workers found nothing wrong with his meter and the next month his bill was back to normal.
"It was confusing, says Orris."
Officials at Charlotte County Utilities didn't want to talk to WINK News on camera. They told us they don't believe Mr. Orris used all the water, but had to charge him anyway because of a Florida statute.
"They gave me a letter that they were gonna turn the water off," says Orris.
County utilities did reduce his bill to about $580 dollars. His usual bill is $25. They also told him to call different charities for financial assistance.
"I said that was not acceptable it was a bad principle and I didn't want to pay for something i never had," says Orris.
Orris' next step is to lobby Charlotte County Commissioners for help.
Friday, Oct 10 at 11:49 AM Kitty Blanco wrote ...
his bill to the lowest rate but cannot zero it out because they don't know how to NOT bill him. Now he has to appeal to the Florida Attorney General's office. He cannot afford an attorney but CCU can! Other people have had similar situations but CCU strongarms them into paying by threatening to turn off the water if they don't and they are afraid to come forward. CCU's assistant director stated that unless he pays the bill they WILL shut off his water despite knowing he didn't use the water.
Friday, Oct 10 at 11:35 AM Kitty Blanco wrote ...
His house has been checked for leaks and there are none. No one stole water from an outside spigot;it would take 16 tankers to steal that much water! The Public Service Commission does not have jurisdiction over CCU, the County Commissioners do and they have refered him back to CCU. His meter has been read every month and he paid it every month. His average usage is 3000 gallons per month and CCU billed for 133,000 gallons in July. CCU says he didn't use the water but can only reduce (cont)
Monday, Oct 6 at 9:27 AM ken : wrote ...
MR ORIS--do not forget emotional stress inflicted on a senior citizen in your complaint!
Wednesday, Oct 1 at 11:50 AM redneck wrote ...
just find out where the meter reader lives n when he leaves for work turn on all his outdoor valves!
Wednesday, Oct 1 at 11:40 AM Angela wrote ...
This man needs to have his house checked for leaks. I work for elderly people and have found many have drips and leaks in their toilets and faucets that they cannot hear. Also someone may have stolen water from an outdoor spigot. I would make sure the meter was correct and then make sure there are no leaks of any kind in the house. In a law suit they will require that it be done anyway.
Wednesday, Oct 1 at 7:58 AM trendseeker wrote ...
Yes, lets write a captive headline not allowing the facts to interfere. Real amount owed is 530.00 per the article. Veteran or not, we all have to pay for our usage. Granted, it is very possible that the water department was lax in reading bill and when actual meter read, customer must pay up. Horrible situation thrust upon consumers. Fair or not, utility company always wins.
Wednesday, Oct 1 at 7:17 AM mg wrote ...
there is a lot of crooks out there and they go after the old people because they do not have a lot of money to fight them off but please some one help him
Tuesday, Sep 30 at 7:49 PM Angela wrote ...
Someone please tell this poor man to call the Florida Public Service Commission. They regulate and investigate situations like this. Their number is 1-800-342-3552. But I would also advise Orris to let the water company know first that he is about to file a complaint with them and I will bet they will then pay attention and clear up the matter. I should know, I used to work for a utility company! Hope it all gets cleared up!!
Tuesday, Sep 30 at 6:59 PM wauchula wrote ...
Looks like someone hadn't actually read his meter in years, then someone did and they billed him the difference.
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