Homeowner demands accountability for devastating water damage

During a recent city council meeting in Altus, resident Sean Willis voiced his frustrations regarding a significant water damage incident caused by a city-owned water line break. Willis, who has lived in Altus for many years and runs a local business, detailed the extensive flooding that occurred on January 7, 2024, which he claims resulted from a leak in the city’s water meter. He reported that the flooding caused severe damage to his property, including his home’s foundation, fence, and landscaping.

Willis expressed his dissatisfaction with the city’s tort claim process, describing it as lacking transparency and communication. He recounted his struggles to get answers from city officials and the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), which ultimately denied his claim for damages. He criticized the handling of his case, particularly the unprofessional behavior of the adjuster assigned to assess the damages.

In his appeal to the council, Willis emphasized the need for better preventive maintenance of the city’s water infrastructure to avoid similar incidents in the future. He argued that the city should take responsibility for the damages caused by its infrastructure failures and called for a fair settlement that would cover not only the physical repairs but also the emotional and financial toll the situation has taken on his family.

Willis concluded his testimony by urging the council to take his concerns seriously and to implement measures that would prevent such issues from affecting other residents in the future. His plea highlights ongoing challenges faced by homeowners in Altus regarding city infrastructure and the need for improved communication and accountability from local government.