The Greeneville Water Commission reported theft and vandalism from a Doty Lane residence where water had been cut off.
An employee with the Water Commission said the water was previously cut off at the address due to lack of payment. At that time, a lock was placed on the cutoff valve. When the employee returned last week to check the meter, the lock had been cut off the valve and the water had been turned back on. The employee then pulled the entire water meter out, leaving the water pipe and cutoff valve. When the employee arrived on Thursday to check where the meter was, he noticed that the water cutoff valve was broken and the water line had been reconnected with tubing.
The resident of the home denied committing the theft and vandalism and said he rents the property. He said the water bill is supposed to be included in his rent. According to the report, if the bill is paid, which is over $300, that would suffice and the Greeneville Water Commission will not prosecute for the stolen water and broken cutoff valve.
