Civil lawsuit filed against Southwick for allegedly overcharging town’s largest water user
Southwick Care LLC is suing the town of Southwick for $333,393, claiming they were overbilled for water usage due to meter reading errors and improper rate charges.Summary
Southwick Village, owned by Southwick Care LLC, has filed a civil lawsuit against the town of Southwick, alleging overbilling of $333,393 for water services. The lawsuit claims the town overcharged them for approximately 40 million gallons of water by adding an extra “0” to meter readings, resulting in charges based on 46.1 million gallons instead of the actual 5.1 million gallons used between November 2020 and April 2025. Additionally, Southwick Care alleges they were improperly charged the higher “tier 3” rate despite a November 2023 Water Commission policy capping rates at the lower “tier 2” rate for residential rental properties with 10 or more units, and an even lower rate for elderly complexes.
During a January 2024 Water Commission meeting, discussion centered on whether Southwick Village qualified for the tier 1 rate, with acknowledgment that buildings over 10 units would be capped at tier 2 and elderly complexes at tier 1. Former DPW Director Randy Brown noted the property was the town’s largest water user and emphasized the need to address leaks before lower rates could be applied.
Southwick Care seeks reimbursement for the overcharged amount, along with damages, interest, and legal fees. The town has declined to comment due to the pending litigation and has until March 17th to respond to the complaint.
(Source：Masslive)