River Falls residents can expect to be billed for previously-forgiven water bills.

Mayor Pro Tem Mattie Freeney said Monday a meeting is set with the federal government’s residential utility services on Nov. 19 to discuss the town’s water tank, as well another with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to discuss the state of the town’s water system.

Town officials said the town water system isn’t in compliance with ADEM regulations and changes must be made. Councilman Gary Wages said figures show it costs approximately $100,000 a year to run the system; however, the town isn’t generating enough revenue to cover the costs. Included in that is a $29,000 federal loan payment on the tank due on Jan. 1, in additional to penalties for past due payments, Freeney said.

“I know a lot of people are concerned about their water bills, because they haven’t been paying their water bill, myself included,” Freeney said. In the past, residents’ water bills were waived, not bill or simply not paid, residents said.

“It’s possible you’re going to have pay that back,” she said. “I don’t know the answer to that yet. We’re not out to hurt anyone. We’re just trying to get things running properly.”

Residents can continue to pay their water bills at town hall, which will now be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; however, they are asked to pay by check so that there is an additional record of the payment.

Wages said the arrearages, once determined, won’t be payable at once and that the town will work with residents while they pay their outstanding water bills.