Software slows printing of bills

Water bill woes are continuing in Grovetown not just for residents, but for city employees also.

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"This here has turned into really, really a nightmare for us," said Vicky Capetillo, a utility billing supervisor for Grovetown.

The city bought and installed new water billing software about a year ago as an upgrade. The transition to the new system wasn't a smooth one, Capetillo said. The new system refuses to print bills for some customers, including the roughly 300 homes in the Pamir Place, Ashland Commons and Northlake subdivisions.

City officials say they are working diligently to get the problems resolved as soon as possible.

In fact, they are considering ditching the software for a whole new system, Capetillo said.

"We gave it a good solid try," Capetillo said Friday as she was reprinting water bills for other affected neighborhoods including Harvestwood, Northrop Place, Goodale Landing, Senators Ridge, Martha's Vineyard, Woodward Place and Main Street.

Capetillo said late penalties aren't added to bills that didn't get mailed to customers.

"If I know the bills didn't go out, it is not fair to add penalties to a bill they didn't receive," she said.

Capetillo said some residents who haven't received bills have decided they aren't going to pay a bill they don't receive.

"It doesn't matter that we are having problems," Capetillo said. "You are still responsible for your bill."

Anyone who hasn't received a water bill by the fifth of each month is encouraged to call, e-mail or visit City Hall and let officials know because Capetillo said she is keeping close track of which bills don't go out in an effort to double-check the account.

Capetillo said she recommends that those who don't receive bills call city hall at (706) 863-4576 to get the balance of their account, to visit city hall or send an e-mail to clerk@grovetownga.us.

Bills can be paid in person during business hours or at the drop box at city hall.

Capetillo said residents also can mail payments and checks and should include their address or account number.