Investigation Reveals Discounts On Water Bills

ELK CITY, Okla. (AP) – A state audit has found that Elk City officials improperly gave discounts on water and sewer bills to current and retired city employees for three decades.

The audit was released this week by state Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones. The audit was conducted in response to a petition from registered voters in Elk City.

The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/1fm65AR ) the audit determined that many of the complaints were unfounded, but the discounted utility bills were among the valid concerns.

City Manager Anita Archer did not return calls seeking comment. The audit found that in 2011, up to $66,750 was provided in discounts to current and retired employees. The report said the discount amounted to about $445 per account in 2011.

City commissioners stopped providing discounted water rates effective May 1, 2012.