Update: Valdosta issues utility bills in ‘limited cycles’ as the city upgrades its utility metering system

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) - UPDATE: The city of Valdosta has begun distributing September utility bills in ‘limited cycles’ after delays due to upgrades to the city’s utility metering system, per a Thursday Valdosta press release.

Darquita Williams, assistant director of finance in Valdosta, said they did this to ensure accuracy.

“Our team has begun distributing September utility bills. To ensure accuracy during this process, bills are being sent in limited cycles each day. As a result, delivery times may vary, and depending on mail routes, some residents may begin receiving their bills as early as next week,” Williams said.

The city also wrote that October utility bills “will reflect zero consumption for water and sewer usage.” Valdosta residents will only have base rate charges for Water, Sewer, Sanitation, and Stormwater services on their October bills.

“We understand that the timing of these bills has caused concern, and we sincerely appreciate our community’s continued patience as we work diligently to finalize this transition. Accuracy and transparency remain our top priorities,” the director of finance said.

ORIGINAL: Utility bills for some Valdosta residents have or will soon be delayed due to upgrades on the city’s utility metering system, the city said in a Friday press release.

According to the city of Valdosta, the issue came about because “data from the new meters did not automatically convert into the city’s existing billing platform.”

Some Valdosta residents have already experienced utility bill delays due to the discrepancy. Other Valdosta residents may also see a temporary delay in their next utility bill, but the city says the balances will “accurately reflect usage once data reconciliation is complete.”

More news out of South Georgia:

City staff are currently working on ensuring all of the account information is correct and accurate before they issue statements.

Valdosta Interim Finance Director Darquita Williams said transparency is a priority. “We want to assure our residents that no late fees will be applied while we finalize the conversion process. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these improvements that will benefit customers long-term.”

The city said that new water meters are being installed across the city as it transitions to a new meter management system. The new system is expected to “improve reading precision and provide enhanced tools for future customer service,” per the press release.

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