Mayor Will Do ‘What’s Right’ in Water Department Lawsuit [VIDEO]

Ben Riggs, Communications Manager for Mayor Adrian Perkins, talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the recent ruling by Judge Mike Pittman, a decision that said that the city's water and sewer department has been overbilling for as long as ten years.

Riggs tells KEEL listeners that "this is something that's been going on for years," pointing out that it began when the current mayor "was serving in Afghanistan." But the underlined Perkins desire to solve the matter quickly. "But he's here now," Riggs says, " And I can tell you...he's committed to doing what's right by the citizens of Shreveport."

Riggs also point out that Mayor Perkins is working to fix the department's billing troubles. "Since he's been in office, I can tell you that one of (Perkins priorities) is improving, not just operations in the water department, but also customer service and the public trust ."

City Attorney Mekisha Smith Creal commented on the Pittman ruming in an official statement Monday:

“The City of Shreveport is carefully considering the ramifications of today’s ruling regarding the calculation of sewer quantity charges for residential customers. We want to ensure that Shreveport citizens are treated fairly, while avoiding disruptions to operations,” said City Attorney Creal. “Similar rules and ordinances are utilized in peer cities around the country, and have been in place in Shreveport for decades. No final financial judgment has been reached at this time. We are currently exploring the legal remedies available. The City of Shreveport remains committed to fair treatment and quality service.”