For three hours, an angry crowd of DeKalb residents pressed county leaders to do something about absurd water bills that at times exceed $1,000.

They demanded answers and complained about extreme bills during a tense town meeting Thursday night.

Residents said they couldn't understand how their government could charge them so much for a basic necessity, and then fail to provide adequate explanations when residents called a customer service line.

DeKalb commissioners and government employees apologized and pledged to improve, but many homeowners said they lack confidence that the problem will be solved.

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State Rep. Sharon Henderson,  D-Covington, (shown speaking with cancer advocates during the 2025 Georgia Cancer Action Day, Feb. 4, 2025) was arrested Monday on charges of defrauding the federal government and making false statements. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez