Financial relief for North Miami Beach water customers may be farther away than expected.

The Miami-Dade County Commission passed legislation requiring all water and sewer companies to report how they charge customers and how that money is being spent. While county leaders say the move promotes transparency, many residents argue it only delays much-needed relief.

For longtime Miami Gardens residents Patricia and Basil Cole, the cost of water has become overwhelming.

"We had a bill over $2,000 and finally made arrangements to pay it down," said Patricia Cole. "But for two senior citizens, that's expensive."

The Coles have lived in Miami Gardens for 40 years. Their water comes from North Miami Beach Water, which serves residents in North Miami Beach, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, part

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