ATLANTA -- Relief is coming for Atlanta residents who pay for water and sewer.
Councilmember Howard Shook (Photo: Atlanta City Council)
District 7 Councilmember Howard Shook is signing off on a resolution to authorize the chief financial officer to refund customers for overpayments to sewer and water accounts, according to the resolution printout provided by the city council.
“All funds to be charged to and paid from the fund department organization and account number listed herein,” according to the resolution, adding it will be withrdrawn from the Water & Wastewater Revenue Fund.
Shook resolved the water and sewer overpayments during a finance meeting on Oct.29.
OpGov.ai reached out to residents in Atlanta via NextDoor to get their thoughts on the resolution.
“I could care less,” NextDoor user Brian Matthews said.
The resolution was approved on Oct. 20 by the Atlanta City Council and referred without objection, according to the resolution printout.
City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Website Photo
“It was determined that the department that customers are entitled to refunds,” according to the resolution. “Additionally, the final refund amount shall be offset by any amount due from the customer for outstanding water/sewer charges.”
OpGov.ai contacted Councilmember Howard Shook, who governs the Finance Committee, via email on Oct.28, a day before the finance meeting and phone call the following day.
Shook didn’t respond, which doesn’t make sense for a resolution that is helping Atlanta residents and essentially returning money.
Initial email sent to Howard Shook a day before the finance meeting at Atlanta City Hall, Oct. 28
Not everyone cares about government resolutions and values other things more.
Despite a couple of lackluster responses, one resident had a different perspective.
“It's for overpaid fees on their water and sewer accounts,” NextDoor user Carol D said. “I think it's an appropriate action to take.”
“I wonder how Howard would feel about opening his checkbook for this idea,” NextDoor User Bob Page said.
A refund is significant because adults pay for a wide range of things, from groceries to rent/mortgage. Atlanta residents should be grateful to have some money in their pockets.
If you have any thoughts on the resolution, please reach out to jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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