Currently, the Public Works Department of the Town of Jonesboro is in the middle of replacing old and non-working water meters with new electric meters. The project is the byproduct of the $1.6 million grant provided by the state of Louisiana and will allow the Town of Jonesboro to accurately read the amount of water consumption at each location. 

For over a decade, the Town of Jonesboro has been billing water rates on estimated gallons of usage per month due to water meters not working correctly. This has caused a serious shortage in funds that are supposed to be generated. 

At present, a little over 600 of the expected 2700 water meters to be replaced have been installed and are online. This has resulted in some consumers receiving bills that are, in some cases, extremely different from what has been received in the past, prompting calls to City Hall as to why the increase. 

To put it simply, the reason for the increase in water bills is that consumers are now being billed for actual usage and not the estimated usage as has been the case in the past.

There have been several instances where the new billing has reflected large increases, which, after investigation, have been proven to be the result of locations having either internal or external leaks at their property that are causing unwarranted water usage.

In an effort to help residents be proactive in getting these issues resolved, Mayor Harris has issued the following statement. 

Statement by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris

Dear Jonesboro Residents and Business Owners,

As our new water meters are being installed and read electronically, please be aware of the following to help prevent leak-related issues:

Electronic Meter Reading
Your new meter will be read remotely—no on-site visits required.
If you notice an unexpected spike in usage, please contact City Hall at 318-259-5025 to speak with our staff.

Leak Detection Support
We are dispatching crews to inspect for leaks in and around your home or business.
Should we discover a leak, we will work closely with you until the issue is fully resolved.

What to Watch For
Running Toilets: Continuous water flow or silent leaks at the base.
Dripping Faucets: Check both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
Wet Spots: Look for damp areas on floors, around walls, or in your yard.
Unusual Water Bills: Compare bills before and after meter installation for anomalies.
I am proud of this upgrade, which will enhance our billing accuracy and support water conservation throughout Jonesboro. By moving to remotely read, truly metered consumption, we accomplish several important goals:

Fairness and Transparency
Every homeowner and business will now pay precisely for the water they use—no more estimating or flat‐rate assumptions. This ensures that you are only billed for the water you consume, fostering trust between the Town and our community members.

Early Leak Detection and Cost Savings
With real‐time usage data, our staff can spot unusually high flows immediately and dispatch crews to investigate. By catching leaks in toilets, faucets, or underground lines early, we help you avoid unexpectedly large bills and prevent costly property damage.

Empowering Residents to Conserve
Access to accurate, timely meter readings will allow you to track your daily or weekly water use and make simple changes—like fixing drips or installing low‐flow fixtures—that can lead to significant savings over time.

Strengthening Town Infrastructure
The data collected will guide our maintenance priorities, allowing us to target areas with recurring leaks or inefficiencies. By proactively addressing trouble spots, we extend the life of our water mains, reduce waste, and lower long‐term repair costs for the Town.

Environmental Stewardship
Every gallon of water we conserve helps protect our local aquifers and reduces the energy required to treat and pump water. Together, these savings translate into a smaller carbon footprint for Jonesboro and a healthier watershed for future generations.

Economic Resilience
More precise billing and lower system losses keep our utility fund stable and predictable. That financial strength means we can reinvest in upgrades—like new water lines or pressure management systems—without passing unexpected costs on to you.

By embracing this modern meter technology, we are not just upgrading equipment—we are investing in a fairer, more efficient, and more sustainable future for every resident and business in Jonesboro. Thank you for joining us in this important step forward.

Dr. J. Spike Harris
Mayor
Town of Jonesboro