Written by Tanya Terry
The Flint City Council decided at a recent city council meeting to delay voting on a $300 water credit towards city residents’ water bills.
Flint Treasurer Amanda Trujillo said there’s $49 million owed to the city in water bills.
“I’m not opposed to giving folks credits,” said 1st Ward City Councilman Eric Mays. “But, I want to discuss whether it should be $300, $600, $400. I’m opposed to moving fast politically to try to impress folks because of politics.”
Mays also said it was an issue for him that the $300 credit was not intended to prevent water shut-off for those who had not made a payment.
3rd Ward City Councilman Quincy Murphy said he felt it would be fair, until other things were “in place” for residents to be able use the $300 towards credit or a payment towards 10% of their bill to enter a payment plan if they were facing shut off. His amendment to make this possible failed.
2nd Ward City Councilwoman Ladel Lewis said she felt the money for the $8.6 million proposal could be spent other ways, but she said many of her constituents had told her they wanted the money right away. She said she votes on behalf of her constituents.
4th Ward City Councilwoman Judy Priestley said she felt the resolution wouldn’t benefit the entire city. She questioned whether those who rent from landlords and had the water bills in the landlord’s name would benefit.
9th Ward City Councilwoman Eva Worthing said landlords are legally required to put utilities in the tenants’ names. She said the credits would help everyone, specifically seniors and families with small children.
Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to send the proposal that would allow for residents what would be equal to three months of an average water bill back to the Finance Committee. This is the second time council has voted to do so.
The resolution appeared in the ARPA plan on June 14 and was introduced as a resolution July 20.
According to information provided by the City of Flint, if the resolution passes, the credit will be automatically applied to all residential accounts with active meters, regardless of payment status.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley also said he is exploring an option for residents to gift their water credits to others in greater need after receiving feedback from community members.
