Cibolo Water Outage: Landlord Allegedly Owes $20,000

Water service resumed at Shady Meadows Mobile Home Park in Cibolo, Texas, after families went without fully working water for more than 24 hours. Julie Phillips, a resident, stated that the landlord called to inform her that the water company had shut off service because the owner owed approximately $20,000 in utility bills.

Phillips, who pays $850 in monthly rent, said she and other tenants pay their rent on time and expect the utilities they purchase to function. Her husband called from work to say the landlord was discussing turning the water back on only after collecting November rent. He also mentioned plans to foreclose on the property after gathering that month's payments. Phillips said tenants are hearing conflicting information about the park's future, including a potential change in management.

The City of Cibolo did not confirm the specific amount owed by the property ownership. Nicole Perez, the city manager's assistant, wrote in an email that the city and the involved parties reached a resolution regarding the water service issue. Perez noted that the water was restored about an hour after the media outlet's third email to the city, which occurred before reporters arrived at the utility office in person. The city initially did not respond to multiple emails until staff made an in-person visit.

A resident who declined to be on camera shared a text message from a City of Cibolo employee. The message stated that when the landlord paid the water bill, she told the utilities manager she was no longer responsible for the park. It is currently unclear who owns the property at 760 FM 78. Phillips has lived in the trailer park for 20 years and expressed relief that the water is back on. She noted that residents do not have savings to move elsewhere if the issue recurs.

Reporters attempted to confirm a potential foreclosure by calling the number listed online for the park multiple times. They also contacted the two individuals currently and previously responsible for the property but received no response. As of the last check on October 28, water was running for residents at the mobile home park.