A Villager is frustrated she won’t be reimbursed after a metering company damaged her sprinkler system.
Eileen Jones of Villa De La Vista West spoke out about her frustration this past week before the Community Development District 1 Board of Supervisors at Savannah Center.
Jones has experienced problems with her sprinkler system in the 26 years she has lived in the home. Not that long ago, she had an issue when the next-door renter dug up three of her sprinkler heads because he could not get them to work. Jones informed the renter that the reason he could not get them to work was because they were on her property. The renter had also driven over Jones’ sprinkler heads multiple times, so she had her service technician move them away from the driveway.
Later, she discovered her No. 2 station would not come on. She brought back her service technician, who investigated extensively but could not find the problem. He suggested that Jones check with the District Office to see if the issue might be connected to work performed in April by National Metering Service, which has been replacing meters throughout Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Someone came out and checked on May 1, and lo and behold, her No. 2 station was suddenly working again. However, she was still out the $210 spent on her service technician, who had dedicated considerable time and effort trying to solve the problem.
Jones sought reimbursement from the District. She talked to two officials at the District and was told she would not be reimbursed.
“They both told me all water issues, including sprinkler heads that don’t pop up, should be reported to them first,” Jones told the CDD 1 board.
She argued it was impossible to diagnose the problem without summoning her regular service technician. She’s out $210 and wants to warn her fellow residents not to fall into the same predicament.
“So if you can’t help me get my $210 back, please advise all residents to call the Utilities Department at (352) 750-0000 when they have sprinkler issues before calling an irrigation company to protect themselves from what happened to me,” she told the supervisors.