A Dallas woman says she had to take on the city of Dallas after receiving a water bill for more than $3,000.
Mary Goodner's lived in her North Dallas home for 19 years and says her bills are usually consistent. A look back at last year's bank statement shows it ranging anywhere from $100 to $500. So when a $3,125 bill arrived in July, she knew something was wrong.
"I thought, are you kidding me?" And so I called and I got the man right before 5 that answered," said Goodner.
Goodner says that clerk told her a new meter had just been installed at her home and that someone with the city would be out to check it within the week.
But a few days later, a blue slip was left on Goodner's door letting her know no leak had been found and sending her back to step one.
A second clerk told Goodner it was her responsibility to check for leaks inside the home.
"Of course, then I was nuts because I thought, 'My God. I have a leak in my house. They're going to drill up my floor," said Goodner.
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But according to her, a plumber, pool and sprinkler system tech all told her there was nothing wrong and no reason for her bill to be nearly seven times higher than the last.
Though she has a pool, it would have to be filled several times to reach the 300,000 gallons for which she was billed.
Goodner made a third call, this time reaching a supervisor who extended the bill due date but couldn't change the amount.
"It feels like I'm trapped. It's one thing to have a $3,000 water bill. Is it going to be $3000 every month?" said Goodner.
But after NBC 5 made phone calls to the city on Goodner's behalf, they responded saying a mistake had been made.
Goodner's bill was corrected, and she says she now owes less than $300.