Elaine Lucas calls for grand jury investigation into Macon Water Authority

Lucas also presented a petition for the community to sign, stating they're not in favor of the rate increases.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Water Authority board member Elaine Lucas is calling for a grand jury investigation, citing “irregular acts” behind the scenes and rising water rates.

At a news conference Thursday, Lucas said she wants to know if there are conflicts of interest involving companies that do business with the Macon Water Authority. She also raised concerns about a sudden policy change regarding company credit cards for employees.

“One month there was a purchasing policy, and now I’ve been told there isn’t a policy,” she said.

She also questioned whether large businesses are being billed properly.

“Businesses have not had their meters changed out, and so, I’m waiting to see when that will happen, so that we can accurately read the large business, and the quality of water,” she said. “And I understand that there are some companies that owe quite a bit of money to Macon Water Authority.”

Lucas introduced a petition for community members to sign, stating that they oppose water rate increases.

“They want us to initiate a complete audit of Macon-Bibb’s Water Authority operations and finances as soon as possible,” she said. “So, we will have these, and we have volunteers who will go out and get signatures.”

Lucas says an investigation is necessary so residents can understand why their water bills are going up.

41NBC reached out to other MWA board members, but we have not yet heard back.