The man in charge of water services for a city which has seen growing complaints about abnormally high water bills has been placed on administrative leave.
In a release Sunday, the City of Buckeye said Water Resources Director Dave Nigh was placed on paid administrative leave.
Nigh's department has come under scrutiny after residents started receiving water bills hundreds or even thousands of dollars higher than normal.
Residents have expressed their frustration at city council meetings, and a petition has started circulating calling for the ouster of Mayor Jackie Meck.
In response, city leaders recently voted to lower water rates for high-volume users. City staff have also taken reports of out-of-the-ordinary water bills and started issuing refunds. As of November 30, a city hotline to address the problem had received 145 calls, of which 72 cases had been closed.
Water Resources Manager Mark Seamans will handle Nigh's duties while he is on leave, according to the city.
The city declined further comment, saying the decision is a personnel matter.
