BROCTON — Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility is reportedly refusing to pay increased rates in water billing, and North County Water District Board members threatened to turn off the prison’s taps when they met earlier this month.

Board members heard that the prison has paid its water bills at the rate of $6.77 per 1,000 gallons used for the last three years. However, the rate went up to $7.50 in 2022 and $8.25 this year.

“These things need to come here. Today’s the first I’ve heard of it,” complained board member Dave Hazelton. He noted that under the water district’s deal with the village of Brocton, the prison could be getting billed 25% more than it currently is.

“If they want to play that game, the water district wins out,” board member and Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos said.

He and several other board members said that the water district could ultimately shut down service to the prison if it doesn’t pay up.

Hazelton proposed a visit about the situation with the facility’s superintendent. “We need to see a copy of the bill. Go in and say, ‘This is what everyone else is billed, this is what you’re going to be billed,'” he said.