Jul. 28--VALDOSTA -- The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners discussed ways to alleviate woes over water and sewer bills during its work session Monday morning.

CPA Harrison Tillman of Tillman & Tillman, LLP explained that the new water and sewer billing system is based on a water preservation rate structure. The new rate structure includes tiers for different price rates based on the number of gallons used per month. Residential customers only paid one flat rate for the number of gallons used under the old billing system.

Tillman added that people may also notice an increase in bills because the rates for sewer usage is no longer capped, but based on actual sewer usage. The commission may consider a proposal to implement a cap at 13,000 gallons to help with some of the residents' bills during the regular session today.

Lowndes County Manager Joe Pritchard stated that irrigation customers are also being encouraged to have a separate meter installed to avoid sewer charges.

The county is charging $250 for irrigation meters, which are regularly priced at more than $300. In addition, irrigation customers are encouraged to turn irrigation systems off if watering needs are being met by rainfall.

Tillman will present a PowerPoint presentation about the new water and sewer billing system during the regular session Tuesday evening to clarify any miscommunication. The presentation will also include examples of bills from residents who have irrigation meters.

In other business, the commission revisited several complaints about Boring Pond Road voiced at the last regular session. Citizens who live and travel along Boring Pond Road have urged the county to pave approximately four miles of the bumpy dirt road.

The county has received proposals to survey and prepare right of way deeds for Boring Pond Road from two engineering firms.

Pritchard asserted that no construction plans will be made until the surveying is complete and the county receives right of way.

The regular session will begin today at 5:30 p.m. at the Lowndes County Administration Building.

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