Manatee County Utilities Department — Local services in South Bradenton

Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Water Billing Issues Dear Manatee County Utilities, I’m writing to express my deep frustration and confusion regarding our recent water bills. As a household of just two people, we are very mindful of our water usage. Yet, our bill has inexplicably jumped from around $42 to nearly $100, which is now higher than our electric bill. We’ve tried to resolve this respectfully. When we fell behind, we asked if we could pay the balance gradually or work out a payment plan. Unfortunately, our request was denied. We ended up paying the full amount by credit card, hoping that would settle things. However, the next billing cycle brought even more unexpected charges: • A $55 connection fee • An $85 contract charge • A $95 past due fee We’re genuinely confused. We don’t understand why these charges keep appearing, especially after paying in full. It feels like we’re being penalized without explanation, and we’re struggling to keep up. We respectfully ask that someone from Manatee County Utilities take a closer look at our account and help us understand what’s going on. We’re not trying to avoid payment—we just want clarity, fairness, and a chance to resolve this without further stress. Thank you for your time and attention. other thing to contact them it...

This department is wonderful. I can always get someone on the line when I call, and they are extremely courteous and helpful. I have lived in Manatee County for 35 years and never had an issue with this department. Not with billing, customer service, or anything else. We moved a year ago and the ladies were very helpful setting up a new account, while still keeping the old account active until that house sells. They were also helpful when I had a question regarding their bill pay system change. For those who left bad reviews about that bill pay change, the information and an access code for the new system was printed on your monthly utilities bill, each month, and way in advance before the change was implemented! Looks like you folks don't even take a moment to look at your utility bills, but you certainly took the time to write a bad review. Shame on you guys! Also, pay your bills on time, then there won't be any issue with the billing. I called a couple of days ago about the lid that broke on our recycling can. They sent someone out the next day! He took a look at it and ended up replacing the lid. Thank you, Ashley! You guys are doing a great job, and are very much...

So I made a payment for trash pickup on time. The money came put of my account two days before it was due. These people claim they didn't get the payment 11 days later. So they are trying to charge me a late fee based on their posted date. So basically these people can just claim to not see a payment and charge you a late fee. Since I refused to pay it they charged me another 5. This has been a reoccurring problem. I pay the exact same way 100 times and then randomly they are late. Imagine if you could just avoid seeing a payment just to get 5 extra dollars. I called someone and they told me to give the payment 10 days. Yeah but it took 11 days so that's not going to work. She refused to remove the late fee. This has happened about 5 times. These people have an itch for charging late fees. I am glad other utilities don't bill this way. They could just stick your payment on the desk to make it late so they...