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 County Office of Water and Sewer Customer Advocacy.
Body
Information Contact: Zachary Williams, Chief Operating Officer
Phone Number: 404-371-2174
PURPOSE:
To adopt a resolution awarding a contract to The Urban League of Greater Atlanta to address customer billing issues and address the safeguarding of vulnerable residents against imminent increases in water rates as contemplated in BOC Resolution 2025-1357.
NEED/IMPACT:
To address issues regarding payment protections for customers to include but not limited to: 1. Households with incomes at or below a specific percentage of the AMI or Federal Poverty Guidelines with children aged 0-18. (2) Households with incomes at or below a specific percentage of the AMI or Federal Poverty Guidelines, with individuals over 65. (3) Income eligible individuals with documented disabilities. (4) Customers who receive SNAP, SSI or SSD.
Establishment and implementation of Income-Based Affordability Plan to include: (1) A cap on the water bills of eligible low-income residents based on a percentage of their income. (2) A Program and Plan to address, reduce, and eliminate disputes and delinquent debt.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Provided under separate cover. Funding to be provided by the Department of Watershed Management.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution which authorizes the establishment of an Office of Water and Sewer Customer Advocacy to address customer billing issues.