OWASCO - The Owasco Town Council heard a reprise of water billing complaints and shifted focus to computer software as the potential root of the problem Thursday.

Lakeview Country Club owner Jeff Lumb joined the several residents who have come to council meetings to complain about inconsistent and erroneous billing in recent months. The club was never billed for water until it showed up as delinquent on the tax bill, he said.

“How can you turn us over for delinquency when we've never received a bill?” Lumb said, adding he tried to clear up the situation in town hall several times.

He took over the club in April, a transfer that was recorded on town ledger for the liquor license, but failed to carry over to the water account. Lumb said at least three bills went to the wrong address.

“It's been extremely frustrating,” he said.

Town Supervisor Merrill Badman offered to meet with Lumb Monday to resolve the issue. The board listened to the inconsistencies and limitations of the water billing software and Williamson, its Rochester-based vendor.

“There's no integrity in the software,” town bookkeeper Pat Burns said, giving the example that plugging in 𔄚 plus 2” would add up to three or any other range of numbers.

The problem may be rooted in a corrupted file, but Burns and Deputy Town Supervisor Doug Buchanan both described problems they've had getting maintenance service from Williamson as well.

Burns said she plans to recommend a software upgrade from a different company. The price tag will be about $20,000.

Resident Ted Marino suggested putting together a committee to investigate the choices, such as improved software or outsourcing the billing to a private company, and report back to the board.

Meanwhile, a resolution the board passed last month to take fresh readings from every meter in town has yet to begin. The readings would be compared to data from October 2005 and bills would be adjusted accordingly.

Resolution sponsor Gino Alberici said there have been some delays, but the readings will take place.

In other news:

€ Long-sought funding for a Owasco Lake watershed inspector may be on the horizon.

Councilman John Klink said there is momentum behind a plan to charge each hookup linked to lake water $4 each year to fund the position. The lake steward would be responsible for monitoring the lake and enforcing regulations.

“I'm optimistic we are very, very close to getting a watershed inspector,” Klink said, estimating the position could be filled by April or May.

€ The board voted 4-0 to have Auburn accounting firm Cuddy & Ward audit the 2006 books. Councilman Arthur Richardson was absent.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net