Latest news with #DeKalbCountyBoardofCommissioners
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advocates want DeKalb County to stop giving water shut-off notices to low income customers
Activists are demanding DeKalb County stop handing out water shut-off notices for low-income customers with large bills. Channel 2's Audrey Washington was there as many residents voiced their concerns to DeKalb County commissioners on Tuesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'I received a water bill for more than $18 thousand, an amount that doesn't reflect my household's actual usage,' said Stone Mountain resident Brandy Knox. In February, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to increase water and sewer rates by 10%. 'We understand that DeKalb must improve its aging water infrastructure and water hikes are a part of that revenue,' Star McKenzie with DeKalb Water Watch said. 'However, the revenue must not be raised on the backs of the lowest-income residents.' TRENDING STORIES: 3 dead, 2 injured in tractor-trailer crash that left I-75 shut down for hours Georgia AG announces Brookhaven woman convicted in $305K Medicaid fraud scheme Body recovered of man who jumped into GA river while game warden was checking fishing licenses Affordability measures in the plan were put in place to protect low-income residents. However, the group said the shut-off notices are still ongoing. A county spokesperson shared a statement that read in part: 'For individuals who cannot afford to pay their water bills in full, DeKalb offers flexible payment arrangements through our Installment Payment Agreement (IPA).' 'DeKalb County Government looks forward to working with all water customers to settle delinquent accounts, establish payment plans and settle ongoing water billing issues.' 'Madam CEO, I am a mother who wants to provide a good home with clean water for my children. Please implement the affordability legislation,' Knox pleaded as she spoke before the board. A county representative also said the county has six programs to assist customers with problems making water payments. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb County commissioners to discuss adding 6 new animal kennels, extending contract with Lifeline
During the Tuesday DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting, two animal services items will see discussion and potential votes. The first one would extend the county's contract with Lifeline Animal Project through the end of June, adding about $2.18 million for the extension. According to the agenda item, DeKalb County has partnered with Lifeline since signing a contract with them in 2018. The contract has already been extended in recent months, with the new extension to add more time. 'On Dec. 17, 2024, the BOC approved an amendment to Change Order No. 2 to extend the contract through March 31, 2025 and increased funds in the amount of $2,182,500.00 for continued operations and community initiatives to enhance the quality of life for pets and people in the County,' according to the agenda item. 'This contract consists of the management of animal sheltering operations and animal services for the DeKalb County Animal Shelter. These initiatives include Free Mobile Clinic Pet Wellness Services, SNIP DeKalb (Spay/Neuter Impact Program), Pet Food Bank and Access to Veterinarian Care.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] If passed by the commission, the contract would be extended again through June 30. County documents say that they want to provide the extension to get more time for evaluation of the facility and Lifeline. TRENDING STORIES: Man tried using Hooters visit as alibi after being caught on camera shooting, killing girlfriend Cobb County mom recounts terrifying moments man almost kidnapped her son at Walmart Social Security retirement accounts are being sold online – What you need to know 'Time is required for the Board of Commissioners to review the evaluation produced by the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations, LifeLine's thorough response to that evaluation as well as the Administration's finding,' and so they need another 90 days on the contract while this process is underway. Separately, the county is also looking to approve funding to build six new animal kennels and extend a contract with Horizon Structures through January 2026. According to the agenda item for the kennels, the 'contract consists of the construction and installation of six (6) kennels to be located adjacent to the DeKalb County Animal Shelter located in Chamblee, Ga. Each kennel house twelve (12) dogs. The Animal Shelter is currently experiencing extreme overcrowding causing an unsafe, unhealthy, and inhumane environment for dogs and people.' It would also continue the contract with Horizon Structures through Jan. 31, 2026. The county said the agenda item would have a cost of more than $800,000. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb County commissioners approve 10% water, sewer rate hike
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday afternoon to approve a plan to double residents' water and sewage bills over the next 10 years, starting in May with an immediate 10% increase. The plan to use higher water and sewer bills to pay for a water system upgrade, replacing thousands of miles of pipes and other equipment, has been in the works for years. Over the past few months, DeKalb County has seen a number of large water main breaks, including a recent one in Brookhaven that left thousands without water for several days. In the aftermath, and while repairs were underway, newly elected DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochrane-Johnson pushed for a rate hike to pay for it. Now, the county commission has approved the plan, with a 10% rate hike for the county's residents coming soon, following by another nine 10% annual increases through 2034. Over 10 years, with a 10% increase per year, DeKalb County residents' water bills will literally double. For customers currently averaging a bill of about $50, that means next month will be about $55 instead, as an example. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: DeKalb County leaders to vote on 10-year water, sewer rate hike Tuesday DeKalb Co. residents could soon pay more for water service DeKalb County water crews fix the latest of several water main breaks in the last month DeKalb Co. commissioners discuss 10% per year water rate increases [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
