Some city of Española residents got a big surprise when they opened their water, sewer and trash utility bill this month.
An error caused some residents and businesses to receive bills in the thousands of dollars.
“There was a glitch in the interface between I think the utility system and the billing system,” City Manager Lauren Reichelt said, but the exact cause of the issue remained unknown as of Monday.
News of the issue spread across social media beginning Friday.
According to a Facebook post by Española resident Amber Sandoval, she received a bill for $5,445 when her typical bill is about $98. The bill shows she was charged $36.60 for water, $31.60 for sewer and $21.96 for trash collection. Her bill also included a $208.79 water tax charge and $5,140 water conservation surcharge.
According to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration website, there is a 3 cent fee for every 1,000 gallons of water used.
Sandoval did not respond to a Facebook message by press time seeking an update on her bill.
Reichelt responded to Sandoval’s social media post to say the city is aware of the error and is working on the solution.
New Mexico State Police also received an incorrect bill of $1,000,000.
“I know we’re not going to charge the State Police $1 million dollars,” Reichelt said. She also joked that she is working hard to address the city’s budget deficit, but not by issuing outrageous water bills.
She said anyone with an incorrect utility bill should go to City Hall and speak with someone at the utility window and they will help correct the problem.