* 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: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Implementing the Water Accountability and Equity Act
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Works to provide the City Council with an update on the Administration’s progress implementing the Water Accountability and Equity Act.
body
Recitals
On November 18, 2019, the Baltimore City Council unanimously passed the Water Accountability and Equity Act, which was signed into law by the Mayor. The Act was passed to increase the availability of basic water and wastewater service to low-income consumers and to ensure a fair process for all consumers before the City shuts off water service, imposes liens, or takes similar action. The Act creates a Water-for-All Discount Program, an Office of Water-Customer Advocacy and Appeals, and a Committee for Office Oversight. The Act applies to both renters and property owners and provides income-based discounts for residents with income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
The Act was passed unanimously because the water billing system in the City was widely acknowledged to be broken. Problems with over-billing customers for water have been reported for years, while some residents and businesses failed to receive water bills for over a decade. It is of the utmost importance that the administration implement the Water Accountability and Equity Act efficiently and effectively, and the City Council is interested in learning about the progress of the implementation.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites representatives from the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Works to provide the City Council with an update on the administration’s progress implementing the Water Accountability and Equity Act.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Acting Director of the Department of Public Works, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.