Afton utilities audit finds $17 billing omission affecting about 250–300 customers

Utility Director Joshua (Josh) Peavler told the Afton Town Council that an audit of the utility department and billing system found an error that excluded a $17 usage fee for customers consuming less than 10,000 gallons of water per month. The error, the minutes say, has been present since at least 2022. The town has corrected the billing system; roughly 250–300 users are expected to see a $17 increase on an upcoming bill.

Peavler also reported that a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) has been installed on West Alley as part of utility improvements. The council was informed of the audit findings during the Jan. 13 meeting; the transcript records the correction and the projected customer impact but does not include additional detail such as how the town will notify affected customers or whether any repayment or phased billing will occur.

Why it matters: a billing-system error that persisted for multiple years affects hundreds of households and small businesses. Residents who receive water bills should inspect the upcoming statement and contact the utility billing office with questions.

The minutes do not record a formal vote on this audit report; it was presented as an informational item.