Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I am writing to all home and condo owners who have been waiting for answers to their questions about their water bills.

With all due respect, I realize that our new mayor, Jake Wison has only just arrived at city hall.

However, he has been holding a position as city councilor for a considerable amount of time. He knows his way around the city. I am hoping that he is going to address this problem soon.

A bit of history–Walter Sass article below

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/26/metro/somerville-water-bills-high/

My own situation has been problematic. I have 2 highly skilled, seasoned plumbers looking at my water meter.

They both conclude that my water meter is faulty. Yet the water department has repeatedly refused to change the water meter.

We have been told by reliable sources that the last round of water meters were the cheapest garbage they could find. I had mine changed about 5 years ago. I wish it was still here.

Superintendent Neil Viner of the water department insisted we had a leak on the premises and after my plumber search all apartments it was discovered. A new toilet was installed shortly after.

But that was not the real problem. It’s the cheap water meters that were later installed.

How much money does the city water department collect from all homeowners? Can we see it in writing? Are they conducting audits?

I contacted Mass Installation and asked for a new water meter– I was denied.

During this time Neil Viner, Superintendent of the City of Somerville Water Department visited my home more than several times. His claim was that my water meter was functioning properly. Yet, my plumbers disagreed.

But it does not excuse this issue. I found the Water Department superintendent to be condescending. He asked that I contact Mayor Ballantyne to say that he was doing a great job.

I rest my case. I was told at that time the mayor’s office does not accept calls.

My background is supporting directors and administration of colleges and hospitals. I understand the manner offices are suppose to run. If this is their typical routine of customer service — they failed.

One plumber turned off the water main in my presence to prove the meter was not working properly. He was right. The water meter continued to spin when no water was passing through the pipes.

My question– how can they reach an accurate reading of water usage if the water meter is continually malfunctioning an inaccurate read?

To make matters worse: I made an attempt to contact the mayor’s office, only to be quickly dismissed because this surly individual claimed he was rushing off to an important meeting!

Seriously? We are paying for his job! This has gone on long enough.

Is this the manner we expect when calling the mayor’s office? This individual suggested that I wait for a call back. I hung up. Why bother? If this is going to be more of the same including that miserable scoundrel we tolerated for over 20 years then we are in deep trouble.

I conclude that there is something going on they are not sharing with constituents and home/condo owners.

My annual water bill is approximately $3500-$3800 annually. I own a 3 family home in Ward 7 and rent two apartments, reside in one.

My family has lived in Somerville for close to 100 years. Dad bought the house in 1930. He was a member of the Dante Club. A close friend to Chipper another long time resident. Our church was St.Anthony’s on Somerville Avenue. Dad would pay to heat the church with proceeds from the club. At that time, many Italians migrated to Somerville. Mom had a close friend, Rose Resmini and so many others who left war torn Europe. Somerville always had it’s problems but there are still many of the families like ours who never left. Why? Because we cherish our roots and our own community.

We must ask the administration to conduct an audit on the water department and soon. It’s the only way to know what is going on. It’s been several years this problem has not been properly addressed.

If this is happening to you reach out to Billy Tauro and add a comment.

Maybe Mayor Wilson will allow us to hold a meeting for those effected by this issue.

How about it, Jake?

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