An independent third party is being brought in to investigate ongoing billing issues with phase 1 of cast iron water main replacement in Moose Jaw.

For months residents have been trying to get clarification on why their bills for the work done in 2016 are three and four times higher than what was quoted on a contract that they signed with the company doing the work. Even City Administration can't say for sure what each line item covers, and some members of Council were asking for more detailed information.

With too many questions still on the table, Mayor Fraser Tolmie said he wasn't comfortable making any decision. Councillor Chris Warren agreed, asking how they can make a single decision on all of the issues when each property and situation is so different.

Council will ask the Administrative Review Officer (ARO) to take over the file. The ARO is independent of Council or Administration and handles complaints typically from residents when a resolution cannot be reached. Councillors have asked for the file to be stamped ASAP, so residents can finally get an answer.