SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
An Ordinance to Amend The Code of DeKalb County, Georgia Chapter 25 Pertaining To Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal And For Other Purposes.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. "Ted" Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
An ordinance to amend the code of DeKalb County, Georgia Chapter 25 pertaining to water, sewers and sewage disposal. This includes the creation of a means-tested water bill debt forgiveness program for income-qualified customers and the creation of a "Customer Bill of Rights" for Watershed Management customers.
NEED/IMPACT:
On February 25, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a "10% Rate Increase No Earlier Than May 1 for the Year 2025, and Nine Additional Increases in the Amount of 10% Each , Which Shall Become Effective on Each January 1, Beginning January 1, 2026 Through and Including January 1, 2034" and a "Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County Supporting Policy Changes to Protect Seniors, Disabled Individuals, and Low-Income Residents Against Upcoming Water Rate Increases," confirming their commitment to fair, compassionate, and fiscally responsible water policies that prioritize dignity, public health, and economic stability. On August 12, 2025, The Board of Commissioners approved "A Resolution Requesting The Implementation Of A Means-Tested Water Bill Amnesty Program For Income-Qualified Customers And Requesting A Targeted Review Of Uncollectible Debt In Blighted Condominium Communities." This ordinance establishes the Water Bill Forgiveness Program as well as The DeKalb County Water Customer Bill of Rights, clearly outlining what all DeKalb County water customers are entitled to under policies established by the Board of Commissioners and supported by the Water Rate Assist...
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