GRAVETTE — The city of Gravette released the following statement concerning the February water-sewer billing cycle, according to Tracy Sewell, business director.

“In January the water department attempted to verify its electronic meter reading equipment in the field with a manual reading. Normally, the electronic meter reading cycle is four weeks (the 8th through the 8th) but it was extended to six weeks for the manual read (the 8th through the 20th). Water bills may be a little higher than normal this month, but they should be a little smaller next month. The difference in the amount due is approximately 12 extra days of usage.

“Water bills are normally due by the 5th in order to avoid a late charge. There will be no late charges assessed in February due to the late arrival of water bills. However, payments still need to be paid in the office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in order to avoid shutoff.

“For anyone still waiting on a water bill, it should arrive early in the week of January 31. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

News, Pages 2 on 02/02/2011