Summary
Five months after the billing conversion, an independent review says the math is right but can't explain the spikes residents are seeing. The council directed staff toward late-fee waivers, free meter tests, dispute protections, a relief fund, and proactive credits for everyone affected — not just complainers.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city has already issued over $545,000 in billing credits, and a proposed relief fund could add roughly $500,000 more; utility revenues hit $112.7 million in sales this year.
Every water customer, especially the thousands hit with unexplained spikes and shut-offs.
Residents stuck with unexplained high bills, $30 meter test fees, and disconnections while the cause remains unknown.
Mentions & discussions (26)
City of Amarillo to pause late fees, water shutoff for customers impacted by utility billing anomalies
The Amarillo City Council meets on Oct. 27, 2026. (Amarillo Tribune photo/ Jo Early) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/amarillotribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AAA0146-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> The Amarillo City Council held a regul...
Amarillo City Council - Oct 27, 2026
Five months after the billing conversion, an independent review says the math is right but can't explain the spikes residents are seeing. The council directed staff toward late-fee waivers, free meter tests, dispute protections, a relief fund, and proactive credits for everyone affected — not just complainers.
Asked & Answered: How much have water and sewer bills gone up in the past 10 years?
A City of Amarillo Water meter. (Amarillo Tribune photo/ Phoebe Terry) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/amarillotribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/IMG_7983-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> After yesterday’s article examining the 2026/2027 b...
Amarillo City Council receives utility billing update ahead of third-party audit
Amarillo City Council receives utility billing update ahead of third-party audit NewsChannel 10
Amarillo City Council - Sep 22, 2026
Staff addressed customer service wait times, staffing turnover, and high August water consumption driven by extreme summer heat.
Don’t Miss: Canyon utility billing changes starting in October
The historic Randall County Courthouse is located in Canyon. (Amarillo Tribune photo/Jo Early) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/amarillotribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_1910-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Canyon water rates increase...
Amarillo's Chief Technology Officer resigns amid water billing controversy, $85,000 audit
Amarillo's Chief Technology Officer resigns amid water billing controversy, $85,000 audit KVII
Amarillo city council approves $85K audit of utility billing system
Amarillo city council approves $85K audit of utility billing system NewsChannel 10
Amarillo council approves $85,000 external audit after water meter overcharges
Amarillo council approves $85,000 external audit after water meter overcharges KVII
Amarillo City Council - May 26, 2026
Many residents have reported unexplained spikes in their water bills and are seeking transparency and solutions from the city.
Amarillo provides update on utility billing issues affecting thousands
Amarillo provides update on utility billing issues affecting thousands NewsChannel 10
Amarillo's Utility Billing Crisis Exposes Deeper Questions About City Accountability
Amarillo's Utility Billing Crisis Exposes Deeper Questions About City Accountability Amarillo Country Radio
City of Amarillo addresses resident's concerns of high water bills
City of Amarillo addresses resident's concerns of high water bills KVII
Amarillo City Council - May 12, 2026
Many residents have been frustrated by incorrect water and sewer bills. The city is reviewing the system and promises that no one will pay for water they didn't use.
City of Amarillo addresses increase in utility bill costs for residents
City of Amarillo addresses increase in utility bill costs for residents NewsChannel 10
Asked & Answered: Water bills show dramatic usage increase in April
Asked & Answered: Water bills show dramatic usage increase in April Amarillo Tribune
Amarillo citizens concerned about recent water bill changes
The recent changes to some Amarillo citizens' water bills have caused questions and concerns over how the city is managing the recent changes.
Amarillo citizens concerned about recent water bill changes
Amarillo citizens concerned about recent water bill changes MyHighPlains.com
Amarillo residents report shocking spikes in water bills
Amarillo residents report shocking spikes in water bills KVII
City of Amarillo launches new form in response to influx of recent utility billing issues
City of Amarillo launches new form in response to influx of recent utility billing issues KVII
Amarillo City Council delays increase in natural gas charges
Amarillo City Council delays increase in natural gas charges NewsChannel 10
City Council (Regular) - Apr 14, 2026
A resident proposed changes to water and wastewater rates, advocating for a uniform base rate for all users, including industrial and commercial, to ensure fairness and potentially reduce residential bills.
Customers navigating Amarillo’s new utility billing system
Customers navigating Amarillo’s new utility billing system NewsChannel 10
Your Amarillo Utility Bill Is About To Change
Your Amarillo Utility Bill Is About To Change Amarillo Country Radio
Amarillo to launch new utility billing system March 31 with enhanced online tools
Amarillo to launch new utility billing system March 31 with enhanced online tools KVII
City Council (Regular) - Mar 24, 2026
The city is launching a brand new customer portal and billing system on March 31, bringing automated metering integration and digital service requests. Every customer will receive a new account number, online auto-pay users must re-register, and utility services will pause temporarily from March 26 to 30.
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