* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Kraft
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Informational Hearing - Water Bill Increases
FOR the purpose of requesting that representatives from the Water Billing Department in the Department of Public Works and the Department of Finance appear before the Council to discuss the recent increase in water bills received by residents since the installation of the BaltiMeter system, the reasoning behind these unexpected increases, and steps to assist residents with unaffordable bills.
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Recitals
Last year, the Department of Public Works installed a new water meter system in residential properties throughout Baltimore City. These meters were described as much more accurate than the old system. They are digitized and can be read remotely by the Water Billing Department. Previously, the meters had to be read manually, approximately every 3 months. Oftentimes the consumption was estimated, and the consumer/resident would receive a minimum bill payment. This would amount to about $130 (including Stormwater fee and Bay Restoration Fee) four times a year for a rowhome with 2-4 residents.
After the installation of the new water meters, there was a delay in the billing cycle. This has resulted in many residents receiving bills for 120 ? 250 days of consumption. This alone has caused the bill amount to be much higher. It is understandable that in some cases the average daily consump...
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