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Computer glitch fouls Talent water bills TALENT -- Telephones were ringing off the hook at Talent City Hall Monday after a new computer software program added an extra $40 to more than a quarter of the 1,520 water bills mailed out Friday. "I expected something (to go wrong with the new software), but never like this," said utility clerk Melissa Wynne. "We entered meter readings in November. Then the computer made up these estimated bills." The mistake is easily cleared up with a phone call to City Hall, Wynne said. Most bills are correct. The ones that are wrong are averaging $40 too high. She promised to get back to everyone who telephones long before bills are due on Jan. 28. She has called the software manufacturer to get the problem fixed before bills are sent out next month. "I will do what it takes to get it done even if I have to enter them by hand," she pledged. The new software was installed last February, but this was the first month it was used. Wynne said the glitch has nothing to do with two new utility fees adopted this month by the City Council, nor anything to do with a water rate increase scheduled for March. "This is not a Y2K issue," she said. "This is just new software." The mistake has taught Wynne that being in a small town like Talent and working for the city for 12 years can have its disadvantages. "People were yelling at me in Wal-Mart on Saturday," she said. "I've had one sarcastic comment on the answering machine. (But for the most part) everyone's been quite nice and understanding." Those with questions about the accuracy of their water bill should call City Hall at 535-1566. It is not necessary to come in. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA