It’s been a month since the July water bills were due and Elton Town Council is still trying to send them out.

According to Elton Mayor Mike Pierrotti, an administrative error is the cause of the delay.

“The first piece of the puzzle was that the electronic meters were not downloaded to the administrator’s computer after they were read,” said Pierrotti. “So there were practically no meter readings recorded for the month of July.”

Elton residents like Timothy Bartlett are increasingly frustrated with their water bills and complain about discrepancies in the charges.

“I had to pay $409, the next month $179 and last month $194,” Bartlett said.

Although Bartlett has been renting a two-bedroom house in Elton with his girlfriend for a year, he believes there is something wrong with their water bills.

“How do you read the meters?” Bartlett asked. “I mean… I can’t use that much water!”

Although Mayor Pierrotti confirmed that a new water meter was installed in Bartlett’s home, Bartlett said it was a major drain on his wallet.

“I don’t have to buy a car and insure it anymore,” Bartlett said. “My girlfriend now has garage sales just so we can eat.”

On Wednesday, Mayor Pierrotti told KATC Elton that residents will not be charged late fees on their water bills in July.

He also said that the corrected water bills will be sent out on Thursday.

If you live in Elton and have any questions about your water bill, please visit Elton Town Hall.