LUBBOCK, Texas – Property owners in the City of Lubbock are expressing their outrage and shock over the implementation of a new ordinance that holds them responsible for expensive plumbing bills. The ordinance, which went into effect in early January 2023, requires property owners to hire a city-approved contractor to complete work on their private sewer lateral line in a public right-of-way. This has left homeowners with hefty bills and a feeling of frustration.
Makenzy Buckner, a homeowner who purchased her first home five years ago, was taken aback when she discovered a foul odor emanating from her property. She contacted a licensed plumber who informed her that the issue was in the alley, a public right-of-way, and would be handled by the city’s pipeline maintenance crews. However, Buckner was met with a week-long ordeal trying to get a response from the city, all while dealing with sewage in her backyard.
Another homeowner, Jennni Boller, had a similar experience with a sewer line issue in her alley. She claims that it took crews weeks to respond, leaving the overflow to spill into her backyard. Lubbock City Manager Jarret Atkinson admitted that the process was inefficient and generated numerous complaints.
The Public Works Department recommended the amendment to the ordinance as a solution to the inefficiency. However, several licensed plumbers, including Will Aruasa, the owner of Flatland Plumbing, were just as surprised as homeowners when they learned of the change. Aruasa expressed his concern about the increased expenses associated with the amendment.
While the city estimated that the amendment would reduce costs by $800,000 annually, property owners are now burdened with the financial responsibility. Buckner was shocked to receive an estimate of $6,500, questioning how homeowners are expected to afford such hefty bills for repairs on city property. Zeke Patton, another homeowner, was forced to hire another company to finish the work after already paying a plumber to replace the line in his backyard, leading to further unforeseen costs.
Property owners have raised theories about the cause of the damage to their lines, suggesting that city vehicles such as trash trucks are contributing to the deterioration. They feel that it is unfair for the city to neglect the maintenance of infrastructure in the alley and then pass the financial burden onto homeowners.
In response to these concerns, Lubbock City Councilman District 3 and mayoral candidate Mark McBrayer expressed his willingness to revisit the issue. He believes that there may be a better way to address the problem without disproportionately burdening homeowners. Councilman District 4 and mayoral candidate Steve Massengale, on the other hand, supports the council’s decision, arguing that property owners should be responsible for the cost of repairing their own lines.
The city encourages property owners to consult a list of city-approved contractors for the required work. Additionally, any property owners who believe that a city vehicle has caused damage to their property can file a claim against the city.
As homeowners in the City of Lubbock continue to navigate the financial challenges posed by the new ordinance, it remains to be seen whether the council will take their concerns into account and reconsider the amendment. In the meantime, property owners are left grappling with the unexpected costs and searching for solutions to retain their quality of life in their own homes.
