A malfunction in the city of Ironton’s utility bill reading system caused much higher estimates on many citizens’ utility bills.

Mayor Rich Blankenship said the city is currently working to rectify the situation.

“If anyone feels as though their utility bills are much higher than they have been in the past they can come to the water department with their bill and receive an adjustment,” he said.

The amount residents will be adjusted to is the last actual read bill  that would have arrived in the mail around the first of December.

Blankenship added that some residents’ bills might be about the same as they have been in the past, in which case there is no need to come in for an adjustment.

“We want to make it right,” he said. “It is important to remember we have 4,700 meters in the city and two people in the water department. If anyone calls and can’t get an answer, they are not avoiding your call. They are just busy, which is why we are encouraging people to come by. It will be rectified.”

Blankenship said the payment deadline will likely be extended to Feb. 15.

The water department is located in the city center at 301 S. Third St.