DeKalb County officials are grappling with significant discrepancies in water billing data, as revealed during a recent Special Called FAB Committee Meeting. The discussion highlighted alarming inconsistencies in accounts related to condominiums and apartments, where bulk accounts mask individual billing issues.

The meeting underscored that while there are 236 condominium accounts, the total amount owed is a staggering $25 million. This raises concerns about the accuracy of the data being reported. Officials noted that discrepancies were not isolated incidents but rather widespread issues affecting the majority of accounts, prompting a call for more recent data from June and July to clarify the situation.

The total delinquent amount across all accounts has ballooned to approximately $255 million, with half of these debts being over four years old, indicating long-term collection challenges. The finance department is currently investigating these issues, including the potential for property liens to recover funds, as legal limitations on suing for debts over four years complicate collection efforts.

The breakdown of delinquent accounts revealed that commercial accounts, tenants, and owners are among the top debtors, with significant amounts owed by each group. The committee also discussed the need for better communication between landlords and tenants regarding water bills, as many landlords were unaware of unpaid bills until disconnection notices were issued.

As the finance department continues to analyze the data and address these discrepancies, the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate billing practices to prevent future issues. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and improve the county's financial management moving forward.