After Overcharges, Brockton Plans To Audit Department

Brockton's City Council is expected to approve a plan Monday for an independent audit of the city's water department.

The department is facing accusations of over-billing nearly 9,000 residents who had broken water meters.

"We want to get the facts, and find out what's happening, so we can head off any additional billing that may not be accurate," said City Councilor Tom Brophy.

Brophy said the city wants to resolve the incorrect charges and move on.

"Those who have already paid their bills and those who are contesting the bills, that we would come up with the reasons why this happened, lay fault where it lies and move forward from then," Brophy said.

Brockton's mayor, Linda M. Balzotti, wants to hire an auditor without City Council approval. She worries it could be months before the audit begins.