Residents of Taft have been speaking out about abnormal water bills over the last few months.
While billing issues have been addressed, residents asked KRIS 6 News to investigate why new water meters, approved by the Taft City Council last year, were never installed.
As 6 Investigates began working to get this question answered, it only resulted in more questions.
During an analysis of Taft City Council meeting agendas and minutes from 2023, 6 Investigates found the City Council allocated just over $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase nearly 1,500 new water meters in June 2023.
“It’s free money. Completely free to residents of Taft. These water meters are completely free to the residents of Taft,” Former Taft City Manager William Linn told the council during that June meeting.
At a July 2023 council meeting, Linn reported the city had received one bid for water meters costing $492,120 and that installation of these meters would take two to three months.
The council approved the purchase and installation of these meters, paid for with previously allocated ARPA funds, according to meeting minutes.