Kenner residents with high water bills will be able to review them with Jefferson Parish officials on four days this month.
Councilman Dominick Impastato and City of Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn have worked with the Jefferson Parish Water Department to set up a temporary remote billing review location in The Esplanade mall located at 1401 W Esplanade Avenue.
Residents wishing to discuss or review their bill can do so during the following days and times: Friday, October 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents are advised to access the remote site by entering through the sliding doors between the Target and Macy's, or follow the directional signage throughout the mall.
Late fees and other penalties will be waived for residents in the Kenner area which were affected by an estimated reading through the end of the year and there will be no cease of water service during this period. Payments arrangements may also be made available on a case by case basis if requested.
Residents unable to attend the remote site may call the Water Department to discuss their bill at 504-736-6060.
City officials have been working with residents since the problem first came to light last month. Residents reported sharp increases in their bills, with city and parish officials claiming the problems came because the water department had staffing problems that prevented them from reading some meters.
When the bills were adjusted the next month to account for more water being used than what the utility provider estimated, the numbers rose significantly for many residents.