WILLISTON (AP) - Mike Kraft immediately knew something was wrong when he opened his latest utility bill.

"It was a bill for $47,651," said Kraft, owner and a resident of the Village on the Knoll condominium. "It normally totals about $761."

Members of the eight-unit condo association give water bill money to Kraft, who pays the bill. This time, "It got our attention," he said.

City Auditor John Kautzman said in about 20 cases, including the condo association, the problem was a new automated water meter reading system.

"In the case of a few of them, we've had meters installed where they've had some glitches, and that's caused some substantially high bills that got through the system that shouldn't have been sent out, but they were," he said.

For others, Kautzman said, the spike in water costs was because of one month where water usage had to be estimated, and the estimates might have been low.

Kautzman said the city sends 5,000 water bills every month, and those with problems represented only a small percentage.

The condo association's bill has since been adjusted. Other cases, including that of resident Pat Enberg, are still not resolved. Enberg said his bill more than doubled, from $80 to $186.

Kautzman said the city is following up on complaints.

"If I find the error, then I'm happy to give the credit," he said.