Water restored at Jonesboro apartment complex after building makes partial bill payment
Water back on at complex behind in payments
The water is back on at the Tara Woods Apartments in Jonesboro. It was shut off for hours Monday morning due to nearly $100,000 due in missed water bill payments, according to the Clayton County Water Authority. That changed Monday afternoon when the complex partially paid up.
JONESBORO, Ga. - After more than four hours, residents at Tara Woods Apartments can hear the sweet sound of water.
"I feel like god was with every last one of us," one resident said Monday.
The Clayton County Water Authority says it turned off the tap Monday morning because Tara Woods Apartments and Red Apple Investments, which owns it, owed them nearly $100,000. The water company says the complex had not paid them consistently in at least two years. This has left residents fuming.
"My water is included in my rent so two years I've been paying water bills, and it ain't being paid," said Shaketa Hill.
"I understand certain situations, but I feel like they should handle their business a little bit better," said Narcisco McGeachy.
JONESBORO RESIDENTS EVICTED OVER LANDLORD'S UNPAID BILLS
Tara Woods Apartments in Jonesboro
McGeachy and his family of seven were left in limbo. They were one of dozens of residents in search of another place to stay Monday because Clayton County Code Enforcement said no water means the complex is shut down.
"They should think about the kids like, you know, think about the families who are scrambling, trying to figure out what they're going to do," McGeachy said.
The trouble at Tara Woods grabbed the attention of Clayton County Commissioner DeMont Davis. Monday he helped open a center to offer resources and temporary housing for the dozens of displaced residents.
"You don't want this for your mother, you don't want this for your brother or sister or any family member you love," he said.
The services turned out not to be needed after the complex paid nearly $69.000 Monday to turn the water back on. In the last month, the water authority says the complex has also made $50,000 in additional back payments.
"We very much care about our tenants, so if they can keep their homes that’s what matters," said Michelle Matich with Red Apple Investments.
While the complex did make a large payment Monday, The Clayton County Water Authority says it still owes just about $30,000.
This story has been updated to reflect the water being turned off and later turned back on again for residents