HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Some Houston County residents are experiencing sticker shock after seeing big increases in their water bills starting in July.

The Houston County Commission voted in February to raise water rates, and the new rates took effect on July 1. While a base monthly payment increase from $9 to $14 may seem modest, the jump in some customers’ total water bills has been much larger.

Kim Schoening expressed frustration over her July bill, which rose from about $35 in June to nearly $135.

“I’m very irritated, to be honest,” Schoening said. “All of the sudden this month it went up almost a hundred dollars. I think that that kind of increase is pretty drastic.”

Schoening said she understands the need for an increase but wishes there had been advance notice.

Brian Jones, dire

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