Debt-Forgiveness Likely Not Included In Plan To Address Detroit Water Shutoffs
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A plan to address water shutoffs in Detroit likely will stress conservation, convenience and assistance to those having difficulty paying.
A committee studying water affordability met for the final time Tuesday before finalizing a report due in January to City Council. Debt-forgiveness for those behind on their bills isn't expected to be included.
"No matter what rate design we implement, someone is going to get hurt," Marcus Hudson, chief financial officer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, told the Detroit News.
After bad publicity and protests over shutoffs, Detroit last year announced payment plans and other ways for poor residents to maintain service. But there was no sweeping moratorium on shutoffs.
In the past 12 months, some 23,000 accounts were turned off.
Detroit water customers in need can visit this link for more information. To learn about the Detroit Water Fund, call 313-267-8000 or visit www.DetroitWaterFund.org and click on "get help."
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