Arnold Line Water Association defies state regulators
Ellen Ciurczak
USA TODAY NETWORK - Mississippi
A Lamar County water association has refused to make changes to its rules and regulations as ordered by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.
Daniel Forde, a spokesman for Public Service Commissioner Sam Britton, said Arnold Line Water Association has sent a letter to the commission saying it will not make changes regarding bill payment and discontinuation of service as requested.
"They are not going to pursue any changes," Forde said. "A hearing will be set. A date will be determined shortly."
Forde said at the hearing association officials will have to defend their position.
The commission sent a letter Nov. 2 to C.R. Dixon, association president and director, telling him adjustments were necessary to bring its rules, regulations, policies and procedures in compliance with commission rules.
The letter referenced an association rule requiring customers to have their entire bill or account number when paying their bill. The commission said basic account information should be provided to the account holder to facilitate payment and prevent uninterrupted service.
The commission also said the association had not satisfied due diligence if it disconnected a customer for failure to pay when it had refused to provide the customer with his or her account balance.
In addition, the commission said the association needed to include language in its regulations advising customers when there is a discontinuation of service that the customer has the right to file a complaint with the commission.
The commission also asked the association to delete its assertion that "Arnold Line has the right to cut off your water for nonpayment of sewer for the City of Hattiesburg, West Over West Sewage or Lamar Park." The commission said such arrangements were impermissible without prior commission approval.
The commission also advised the association to update its rules and regulations to include current Mississippi Code.
Forde said a hearing should be held in the next couple weeks.