FORT MYERS, Fla. — Ken Blow said the City of Fort Myers told him they thought the water valves at his rental property were a part of an illegal connection. But, he said even after they found out they’re legal, they’re still taking $150 out of his bank account every month.
“I don’t understand why some meter reader gets to come by here and determine I have an illegal hookup and start charging me $600 worth of payment,” said Blow.
Blow said his eyes nearly popped out when he saw his water bill back in August. His bill shows the usage jumped up after he said a Fort Myers utilities inspector reported this was an illegal connection because it’s connected to two units and shows no water usage.
“They know that the place is vacant,” he said.
He said both rental spaces have been empty at least since May, so he usually pays a $10 water bill. He said and even when someone lives in the unit, he expects a $50 to $80 bill — not $600.
Fort Myers city officials told Fox 4 they are looking into it, but Blow said they offered him something in return.
“They offered me an instant credit of 600 something dollars with the water company. I said, no, I’m not going to put that kind of faith in you guys anymore,” he said.
But, his lack of trust is not stopping the city from taking $150 worth of auto payments from his account until he pays off the $600 that he said is wrongfully due.
He said they also billed him an additional $205 this month to turn the water back on after he said they turned it off.
