CITY TO ADJUST DUE DATES ON WATER BILL PAYMENTS

Worried about your water bill? City officials say you shouldn't be despite the fact that the bills are almost two months late.

Most Cape Girardeau residents haven't received a water bill since late November, but there isn't cause for concern, officials say. The city knows it is behind in mailing bills and will offer adjusted cycles for billing and payments.

Due dates will be adjusted and information will be available on Public Access Channel 5.

Residents will notice that the bills will be for larger amounts than normal, but that is because the billing cycle included a longer period of time, said Tracey Glenn, public information officer for Cape Girardeau.

A computer upgrade in December caused a delay in the billing. "We are now Y2K compliant on our system," said John Richbourg, finance director. "I anticipate being caught up and back on the regular billing schedule by the end of March."

Residents should watch Channel 5 for information on when to expect their bills. Some bills have already been sent out, but others are still being processed. Calling City Hall to check on the billing status will only slow the process down even more, Richbourg said.

Questions can be directed to the public information office at 335-8556.