A website based in Columbia recently ran an article accusing a Clinton husband and wife who, are both employed by the City of Clinton, with having their swimming pool filled with water from a fire hydrant. The report insinuated that payment for the water may not have been made, and would not have been billed had there not been complaints lodged.
Clinton’s Interim City Manager, Dale Satterfield, had an investigation of the matter conducted. Friday, a news release was issued with results of what that investigation determined had happened in this matter.
That press release states that the husband and wife followed proper protocol. It notes that as a service to customers, the City of Clinton for decades has worked to assist residents in filling their swimming pools when requested. There is a procedure in place whereby arrangements are made with Utility Billing to invoice the customer, or make an adjustment in their utility bill. Additional sewer charges are not levied, since the water doesn’t go into the sewer.
The news release notes that city equipment may be used to fill the pool, just as city equipment is used to install a security light on private property. However, out of concern of being accused of using city equipment, the couple borrowed a hose from a neighboring fire department to fill their pool.
The news release states that the two employees followed the same established procedure as has been used with other city utility customers. It noted that a bill was generated for the employees at the same time a bill was generated for another customer whose pool has been filled a few days before, and that the employees paid the bill within 30 days, as required.
The news release from the City of Clinton concludes that the City welcomes the opportunity to be transparent; however, the City felt it should investigate and gather all the facts surrounding the allegations prior to drawing conclusions. It stressed the need of drawing factual conclusions.
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