Baltimore County Extends Wastewater Charge Dispute Window for Homeowners

Baltimore County has enacted a new policy to help residents. The County Council passed legislation to extend the review period for disputed wastewater charges. This change provides homeowners more time to resolve billing issues.

The bill was officially passed on October 6. It directly addresses concerns from new homeowners who discovered charges long after purchasing their property.

New Law Grants Public Works Director Expanded Authority

The legislation gives the Director of Public Works and Transportation greater flexibility. The Director now has up to one year to consider modifications or waivers for wastewater fees. Previously, the window for such disputes was much shorter.

This extended timeline allows for a more thorough review of individual cases. Homeowners will have a better opportunity to present their situations. The change aims to make the process fairer and less rushed.

Legislation Born from Direct Constituent Concerns

Councilman David Marks introduced the bill after a constituent faced this exact problem. The homeowner was unaware of the wastewater charges until well after their home purchase. This highlighted a gap in the existing system’s consumer protections.

The new law is designed to prevent similar situations for other residents. It is seen as a proactive, homeowner-friendly measure. The policy shift reflects a focus on responsive local government.

The extended wastewater charge dispute period offers a crucial safety net for Baltimore County residents, ensuring they have a fair chance to address unexpected fees.

Info at your fingertips

What are wastewater charges?

Wastewater charges are fees for treating sewage and water that goes down drains. These are typically separate from regular water usage fees. They cover the cost of processing and cleaning the water.

Who introduced this new legislation?

Councilman David Marks introduced the bill. He was motivated by a constituent’s difficult experience with an unexpected bill. The Council then voted to approve the change.

How long do homeowners now have to dispute a charge?

Homeowners now have up to one year to dispute wastewater charges. The Public Works Director can consider modifications or full waivers during this period. This is a significant extension from the previous deadline.

Why was this change considered necessary?

The change addresses a lack of consumer awareness. Some new homeowners only learned of these fees long after moving in. The law provides a necessary buffer for dispute resolution.

Was the bill passed unanimously?

The Baltimore County Council showed full support for the legislation. Councilman Marks publicly thanked the Council for its unanimous approval. The move was seen as a common-sense reform.