SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Executive Assistant - Chief Operating Office
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
Approve award of a contract with The Urban League of Greater Atlanta for the establishment and operation of the DeKalb Water and Sewer Customer Advocate.
Body
Information Contact: Zachary Williams, Chief Operating Officer
Phone Number: 404-371-2174
PURPOSE:
To award a contract to The Urban League of Greater Atlanta to address customer billing issues, address the safeguarding of vulnerable residents against imminent increases in water rates as contemplated in BOC Resolution 2025-1357, and establish an income-based affordability plan
NEED/IMPACT:
(1) To address issues regarding payment protections for customers to include but not limited to: (a). Households with incomes at or below a specific percentage of the AMI or Federal Poverty Guidelines with children aged 0-18. (b) Households with incomes at or below a specific percentage of the AMI or Federal Poverty Guidelines, with individuals over 65; (c) Income eligible individuals with documented disabilities; and (d) Customers who receive SNAP, SSI or SSD benefits.
(2) To establish and implement an income-based affordability plan to include: (a) a cap on the water bills of eligible low-income residents based on a percentage of their income; and (b) a program and plan to address, reduce, and eliminate disputes and delinquent debt.
FISCAL IMPACT:
See Attachment A -This item addresses Phases 1 and 2 only. Funding to be provided by the Department of Watershed Management.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Approve award of a contract to The Urban League of Greater Atlanta for (1) Phases 1 and 2 of the establishment and operation of the DeKalb County Water and Sewer Customer Advocate and (2) establishment and operation of the water and sewer customer assistance program authorize the CEO to execut...
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