HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2003.03.19 - 27204MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #03068
BY: Commissioner Thomas A. Law, District 417
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 4206 AND SENATE BILL 195
- DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 195 and House Bill 4206 would create an
independent, impartial oversight board to oversee the water supply of the
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department for fair representation of all its
ratepayers; and
WHEREAS, there have been numerous problems with the Detroit Water and
Sewerage Department involving delinquent accounts, rate increases, water main
breaks, and security lapses, many of which stem back over thirty (30) years;
and
WHEREAS, this legislation is needed to establish accountability in a
system that supplies water to nearly half of all Michigan residents; and
WHEREAS, these bills would provide for representation from Western
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Genesee Counties, as well as from the City of
Detroit; and
WHEREAS, these bills would not take over the Water System from the City
of Detroit, but would instead create an authority, similar to the Michigan
Public Service Commission, to oversee the administration of contracts over
$50,000, including the contracts that establish rates for suburban customers;
and
WHEREAS, Detroit would maintain ownership of the system and continue to
be in charge of its day-to-day operations; and
WHEREAS, these bills will provide the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department's employees with Whistleblower protection and provide consumers
with protection against improper billing practices; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 4206 received strong bipartisan support in the
House of Representatives, and both bills passed the Senate by a vote of 23 to
14; and
WHEREAS, all of Michigan's residents should have the right to a safe,
steady, and cost-efficient water supply.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners express our wholehearted support and endorsement for the
passage, and signing into law of Senate Bill 195 and House Bill 4206.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan, as well as to local and
statewide media outlets.
Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
Thomas A. Law, Commissioner, District #17
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Resolution #03068 March 20, 2003
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.