BALTIMORE — Mayor Jack Young on Wednesday called on the Departments of Public Works and Finance to delay upcoming water rate increases.
The request also includes a delay to sewer and storm water rates.
Rates are scheduled to increase more than 9% beginning July 1. But Young is requesting that be put on hold until October 1.
“At this time of uncertainty and extraordinary need, I will champion the residents of Baltimore by calling for a delay to this rate increase,” said Mayor Young. “This is an effort to support a comprehensive response and recovery to this unprecedented emergency without adding further burden on our residents.”
Young says in the coming weeks, he will present a plan to the Board of Estimates for consideration.
Back in January 2019, the Board of Estimates voted to increase water rates by nearly 30% over the following three years, to pay for improvements to the city’s water and sewer systems. At the time, Young sat on the board as City Council President and was one of two members to vote against the measure.
