Follow Up from the “Ask Me Anything Town Hall: Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase”

On December 10, 2024 Commissioner Terry hosted a virtual Ask Me Anything Town Hall: Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase. DeKalb County COO Williams, CFO McNabb, Watershed Management Director Hayes, Consent Decree and Environmental Compliance Director Houser were also in attendance.

“Ask Me Anything Town Hall: Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Increase” Video Recording

You can also click here to watch a recording of this zoom.

Many questions were asked prior to the zoom call. Below are the questions and answers.

If you do not see your question or have further questions. Please feel free to email us at ted@dekalbcountyga.gov

The below answers were provided by Commissioner Ted Terry and the Super District 6 Commission Office

QUESTION: I like your water reform proposals. What is the next step? Would you vote on these reforms at the same time as you vote on increasing the water and sewer rates?

ANSWER: These discussions have been ongoing at the Board of Commissioners, Committee of the Whole, and PWI Committee meetings. These reforms are currently being discussed hand in hand with the Water and Sewer Rate Increase. Our hope is these reforms will be codified in the rate increase.

QUESTION: What can be offered for seniors. Many are on a fixed income which is not increasing 8% each year. How can they plan for this increase! This along with the sewer increase will add fuel to the fire and drive seniors out of their homes. Will the county implement water restrictions to help manage the amount or water being used? Many need to change habits before they receive outrageous bills. Advocacy council for Seniors?

ANSWER: I understand the concerns that many residents have shared about affordability and equity. That’s why I’m supporting a slate of targeted reforms to offer a safety net for low-income residents facing rate increases, cut through billing confusion, and instill real consequences for mismanagement. One of these reforms is fully funding the DeKalb C.A.R.E.S. Discount Program, which provides meaningful financial assistance to those who need it most. This ensures that rate increases don’t disproportionately burden our most vulnerable neighbors. This program is crucial because most abnormally high water bills in our system are the result of old pipes in old homes breaking. Plumbing repairs can range from the $100s to several thousand dollars, repairs that must be made before bill credits can be issued. Ensuring that customers like our fixed-income seniors can pay for these repairs is fundamental to an equitable system.

QUESTION: Why is the water rate increasing?

ANSWER: DeKalb County’s water and sewer system is decades old and in desperate need of repair. The Federal consent decree requires us to make these improvements

QUESTION: Please explain the pros and cons of the various rate amounts proposed (6%, 7.5% 8%) and why you think, if you do, that the 8% annual increase for 10 years is the best plan. Also, why the decision must be made in December 2024 vs. early in 2025.

ANSWER: The answer to this question is discussed during the Special Called PWI Committee Meeting on 1/30. You can watch this presentation discussion during the Special Called PWI Committee Meeting on 1/30 by clicking here.

The below answers were provided by the DeKalb County Watershed Department.

QUESTION: What is the actual work being done? For a while, there were SAK contractors on our street, and they pop back up every once in a while. What are they doing?? Lining pipes with something? Replacing pipes? There should be more communication about the work itself — the work being done.

ANSWER: There are many projects in progress all around the county on both the water and sewer and sewer systems. The SAK contractor is primarily lining existing sewer pipe to seal them and are making point repairs were lining is not possible.

QUESTION: I can understand that improvements will cost us all more money. I am curious about what water pipes would be changed and how the water system would be upgraded. Would these changes involve main line pipes, lines coming into homes, storage pipes, or where. I have just this year changed all the pipes in my home. Now what would I have to do to get the pipes coming into my home from the street upgraded? Can such a change be done at this time? Thank you for responding to my question.

ANSWER: Watershed has completed an assessment of the county water mains and transmission. This assessment has scored the age , condition, composition of the pipe, and demand of the service area. Pipe with lowest scores are replaced and or upsized 1st. The assessment only covered public lines. The private lines are not included in this assessment and are the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain.

QUESTION: What happen to the infrastructure bill , what did Georgia do with there money ? Why can’t the state lottery which takes in billions pay for something like: police, teachers, firemen, we should not have to pay state taxes, you guys need to find other ways to get revenue, toll coming in to Georgia, when will the home get a break ?

ANSWER: DeKalb is in line to get Infrastructure bill when it is made availible to the county. Watershed is investigating all potential sources of funds to minimize or prevent the need for rate increases.

QUESTION: Hi! Can we advocate for subsidized water drinking filters? None of your constituents actually drink the water from the tap (but instead use too much of their income to purchase bottled water). Additionally, the costs of our terrible infrastructure is increased by all the chlorine and “cleaning chemicals” they put in our water – can we advocate for them to put in less chlorine since no one is using it for drinking anyway? …

ANSWER: Chlorine and Fluoride are the chemicals that the regulatory authorities require to be added to drinking water. The county meets the chemical level requirements of the regulatory agencies.

QUESTION: Are contracts drafted for utility upgrades with incentives for completion ahead of timeline? If not, why?

ANSWER: Contract do not allow incentives for early completion. Watershed has multiple contracts in place to get this work completed. Contractors with poor or slow performance are not given addition work to incentives.

QUESTION: I have four manholes & sewer lines on my property that follow a stream bed. For almost 30 years, the entire flow of the stream at times flowed into the sewer and the County did nothing even when the infiltration was proven to them by plumbing dyes. Consultant after consultant, one County official after another, came out as if no one had been out previously, such a waste of resources. When they finally sent a firm to line the sewer and fix the holes, it took three attempts due to first, the incompetence of County crews and then the lining company itself; they finally hired a second firm and it’s done, but we’re fed up. My question is, shouldn’t the County undertake an independent financial audit (including cost, performance, and safety), as well as forecast the anticipated costs to finish the repairs before asking residents to pay truly ridiculous water & sewer fee increases? It’s all good to create new agencies to help the less advantaged, but that doesn’t help many of us, especially retired folks who don’t qualify and these added costs plus massive property tax increases drive us out of our homes. The County has to do better! Should this entire program be handed off to a highly competent independent (not a County insider) engineering management firm to administer? Have all possible State or Federal funds been chased?

ANSWER: The county continues to search for any available funds to assist with this cost. Independent consultant are assisting the county with assessments, cost projections and work performance.

QUESTION: What is the justification for this price increase? What needs to be done to stop this from happening?

ANSWER: 6000 miles of buried pipe with an average age of 30 years and an increasing population warrants maintenance and upsizing

QUESTION: I’m wondering how these proposals will effect the Dekalb residents that have had outrageous water bills of thousands of dollars?

ANSWER: Funds can be used to ensure more accurate metering billing and improved water delivery.

QUESTION: What were the rate increases for the past 25 years? what was the budget for the rate increases? What was collected for this rate increase? What was the amount collected used for? How much of this allocated money is left in reserve? What is the new peak capacity of Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant in terms of MGD … million gallons per pay; How is Polebridge going to help the consent decree issues when it is in a different water basin? Why has no one said that it was the companies in DeKalb that created the Consent Decree issues but the private citizens are paying for it?

We have a lot of questions that elected officials, watershed, Georgia EPD, and the EPA are avoiding like the plague. Most citizens are in the dark because DeKalb County uses legal suppression and gaslighting as primary tools to suppress this deadly situation in South DeKalb County?

ANSWER: the new capacity of Snapfinger is 44 MDG average with 70MGD peek. The Pole Bridge Plant receives as much as 20 MGD of the county sewer flow to treat. Companies in DeKalb are regulated by the industrial pretreatment program. The bigger issue are the private sewer laterals of homes that are not maintained and allow millions of gallon of rain water into the county sewer system.

QUESTION: Why are the proposed water and sewer rates possibly being increased and we do not know the amount of lead in our water? I am also concerned about the amounts of sludge that come from the factories in Atlanta. Are these hazardous wastes going to other areas?

ANSWER: DeKalb water does not have lead in it. DeKalb water far exceeds the regulatory requirements. DeKalb does not allow industrial waste in the sewer system. It must be treated to DeKalb standards before it reaches the public sewer.

Commissioner Terry’s Paid Leave Proposal Approved

DeKalb County Sets a New Benchmark for Workplace Policies That Put Families First

DEKALB COUNTY – Today, Commissioner Ted Terry’s (D-Super District 6) pioneering paid leave policy has been officially approved by the Board of Commissioners, marking a pivotal moment in DeKalb County’s commitment to supporting its workforce. This historic decision positions DeKalb as a leader in family-focused workplace policies in Georgia and across the Southeast.

Effective immediately, the policy provides up to six weeks of paid leave for eligible employees to bond with a newborn, adopted, or foster child. It also expands sick leave benefits to include caregiving for grandparents and other family members, ensuring that employees can support their loved ones without compromising their financial stability.

 “Today marks a proud moment for DeKalb County as we champion equity and compassion in the workplace,” said Commissioner Terry. “This policy not only supports our employees and their families but also sets a powerful example of how local government can lead with care and purpose.”

The new ordinance is expected to enhance employee retention and recruitment while fostering healthier, more equitable communities. By addressing the needs of a diverse workforce, DeKalb County continues to set the standard for local governments across the region.

“As elected officials our first care is for those we serve and the workforce who provides service. I am extremely proud to support Commissioner Terry’s paid leave policy and I look forward as CEO-Elect to doing even more to support our workforce,”said CEO Elect Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.

This approval by the Board of Commissioners follows months of advocacy and collaboration to craft a policy that meets the needs of employees and their families. Commissioner Terry’s leadership reflects DeKalb County’s forward-thinking approach to governance and its dedication to fostering a culture of care and equity.

Commissioner Terry Rallies DeKalb for a Bright, Sustainable Future at World Planning Day & DeKalb Green New Deal Festival

DEKALB COUNTY – Commissioner Ted Terry (D-Super District 6) proudly announces a successful collaboration with DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability through a joint event on Saturday, Nov. 9th that included over 200 attendees who enjoyed a day of fun while discussing sustainability, urban planning and the county’s growing commitment to environmental resilience. 

Since its launch in 2023, the DeKalb Green New Deal has successfully mobilized a movement of over 700 climate champions and passed over 20 climate action policies, resolutions and initiatives. At this World Planning Day, Team Terry announced new goals for the DeKalb Green New Deal in 2025. They include ensuring the DeKalb Clean Energy Plan gets funded, DeKalb County follows through with the commitment to deploy clean energy projects, a Sustainability Fund is established, and an Environmental Justice Commission is established. 

“The World Planning Day featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival was a tremendous success, bringing together community members committed to a greener, more resilient DeKalb County,” Commissioner Terry said. “We’re excited to capture this energy and plan to harness it as we fight for environmental justice, equal access to resources and robust economic opportunities for our communities.” 

“World Planning Day featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival” featured partnerships with over 20 local organizations, businesses and performers. Attendees of all ages enjoyed live music and DJs, food trucks and eco-friendly workshops about composting, eco-friendly cleaning products and an introduction to planting.

“Partnering with our County Commissioners for the World Planning Day festival elevated our event to new heights.  Featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal played a vital role to enhance our sustainability activities for the event,”  said Cedric Hudson, Director of DeKalb County’s Planning and Sustainability Department. “This collaboration provided residents with valuable insights into the power of planning as a route to creating a sustainable future for DeKalb County.”

Initiatives like World Planning Day 2023 and the DeKalb Green New Deal Summit, have continued to inspire and engage residents across DeKalb County. Last year’s events saw hundreds of DeKalb County residents come together to plant trees with Trees Atlanta, learn vital water conservation techniques with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, hike Arabia Mountain at sunrise, explore the unique design of a pocket neighborhood and discover the rewards of a productive urban landscape. 

Commissioner Terry Embarks on Second Term with Vision for a Greener DeKalb

DEKALB COUNTY – The following is a statement from Commissioner Terry (D-Super District 6) following his re-election this week: 

“I am honored to continue serving as the Super District 6 Commissioner and I am grateful for your confidence, trust and support. My team and I are excited to build on this momentum over the next four years, working hand-in-hand with our constituents to continue efforts to improve equity, quality of life, and an even healthier, more sustainable future for DeKalb County.

“I would also like to formally congratulate CEO Elect Lorraine Cochran Johnson, and officially welcome DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Elect Chakira Johnson and the additional members of the “Team” that represent DeKalb County that successfully won their respective seats: Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, State Senator Emmanuel Jones, State Senator Sally Harrell, State Senator Kim Jackson, State Senator Randal Mangham, State Representative Long Tran, State Representative Karen Lupton, State Representative Imani Barnes, State Representative Billy Mitchell, State Representative Scott Holcomb, and neighboring Henry County State Representative El-Mahdi Holly and State Representative Regina Lewis-Ward.

“I look forward to collaborating and supporting initiatives and programs that mutually support our dedication to the people that live, work and visit our great DeKalb County!”

Commissioner Ted Terry Advocates for Responsible Watershed Management and Fair Sewer Fee Solutions

Urges targeted relief to protect seniors, residents with disabilities and underserved communities 

DEKALB COUNTY – The following is a statement from Commissioner Ted Terry in response to yesterday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, where the water and sewer rate increase was discussed:

“The Watershed Management Department oversees over 5,000 miles of water and wastewater pipes, a vital service that protects public health and supports environmental sustainability. However, years of underfunding have put the reliability of this system at risk.

“I understand the concerns about fee increases, which is why I introduced a resolution today to ensure we’re managing resources responsibly. Through regular operational audits of the Watershed Management Department, we can guarantee that every dollar spent delivers value to our community and keeps this essential service sustainable for future generations.

“I am also proud to support Commissioner Long Spear’s resolution that will protect seniors, residents with disabilities and underserved communities from being disproportionately affected by the new rate increases. This approach will maintain fairness for all ratepayers while safeguarding the long-term reliability of our water and sewer services. It’s about striking the right balance—ensuring everyone contributes fairly without placing an undue burden on any group.”

Commissioner Terry Announces First-Ever Collaboration for World Planning Day & DeKalb Green New Deal Festival

DEKALB COUNTY – Commissioner Ted Terry (D-Super District 6) is proud to announce the collaboration with DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability to host a community focused event on Nov. 9, 2024. The event, “World Planning Day featuring the DeKalb Green New Deal Festival,” invites residents to enjoy a day of fun while discussing sustainability, urban planning, and the county’s growing commitment to environmental resilience. 

This collaboration also includes partnerships with 20 local organizations, businesses and performers. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a good time, an opportunity to share their concerns about sustainability, and hearing from experts about the power of urban planning to create a climate resilient and environmentally just DeKalb. 

“This collaboration is a powerful reflection of our community’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience,” said Commissioner Terry. “By bringing together local organizations, businesses and advocates, we’re not only creating a strategic plan for DeKalb County’s future but also making sure everyone has a chance to participate, learn and have a great time.”

Since launching in 2023, the DeKalb Green New Deal successfully mobilized a movement of over 700 climate champions and passed 20 climate action policies, resolutions and initiatives. This momentum has only grown, with this year’s event set to be more impactful through the partnership with DeKalb Sustainability and Planning. 

“We’re excited to join forces with Commissioner Terry and the community for this year’s World Planning Day event, which celebrates good planning and its impact on the lives of people, creating places where to live, work and play together,” said Larry Washington, Long Range Planning Manager. “This collaboration highlights that everyone has the power to make an impact, and by working together, we can create a sustainable future for DeKalb.”

Last year’s event drew hundreds of passionate DeKalb County citizens who engaged in hands-on activities such as planting trees with Trees Atlanta and attending a rain barrel workshop hosted by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Save the date for November 9th. Our collaborative event will feature interactive workshops focused on sustainability and planning for climate resilience, along with live entertainment and performances. Attendees can enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks and vendors, and families can participate in fun, family-friendly activities, and exciting giveaways. 

More information will be shared here as the event date approaches. 

Commissioner Terry Champions Resolution to Transform South River Forest, Advancing Environmental Justice in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY – Marking a pivotal moment in the fight for environmental justice, Commissioner Ted Terry’s (D-Super District 6) resolution to protect the South River Forest and address decades of environmental neglect in southeast Atlanta and southwest DeKalb County was approved by the Board of Commissioners last week. 

This resolution adopts the recommendations of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) “Explore South River Forest” report and sets in motion a collaborative effort with the City of Atlanta and the ARC to develop a comprehensive master plan for the area. The plan will focus on land acquisition, park design, trail construction, reforestation, stream restoration and improvements to the sewer system, all of which are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents while preserving our forests, which are a great defense against climate change. 

“This resolution is a transformative step toward a healthier, more resilient future for South River Forest communities,” said Commissioner Terry. “By committing to this effort, we are not only safeguarding our natural resources but also righting the wrongs of environmental injustices that have burdened these communities for decades. We are laying the groundwork for a legacy of environmental justice and sustainability that will benefit not just the surrounding area, but the entire county.”

For more information on the South River Forest initiative and the ongoing efforts to develop a master plan, please review the ARC report. 

DeKalb’s Fire Captain Brings First Responder Mental Health Awareness to International Stage

The “Walk out of Darkness” will take place in England from August 24th through September 7th

DEKALB COUNTY – More than 80 percent of first responders experience traumatic events while on the job and in DeKalb County there is a peer support program encouraging them to share their experiences and connecting them with additional mental health and addiction resources. 

DeKalb’s own Fire Captain Chuck Bray will embark on a 190 mile, 14-day walk across England to spread awareness of DeKalb’s successful peer support program for public safety officials and encourage public safety officials to get the treatment they need. Bray is DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s Peer Support Coordinator, leading a team of 12 peer support members, and is a co-host on “Burnt Out,” a podcast that explores the experiences of first responders and raises awareness about mental health. 

“Our peer support program is making a real difference in the lives of DeKalb’s first responders, and Chuck Bray’s walk is a powerful way to spread this message,” said Commissioner Ted Terry (D-6). “His dedication to raising awareness is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the importance of mental health care in public safety.”

Commissioner Terry, a committed advocate for DeKalb’s first responders, plays a crucial role on the DeKalb Employee Relations & Public Safety (ERPS) Committee in ensuring the county provides top-notch fire, rescue and emergency medical services. His work on this committee is part of his broader effort to keep DeKalb County at the forefront of providing comprehensive care for its public safety officials.

“Walking 190 miles across England is a small step compared to the courage it takes for a first responder to ask for help,” said Bray.  “I’m proud to raise awareness about mental health resources and for a program that’s saving lives by connecting us with the support we need.”

Chuck Bray’s journey stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. His efforts, backed by Commissioner Terry and the ERPS Committee, underscore the county’s commitment to ensuring that every first responder has access to the resources they need to thrive, both in their service to the community and in their personal lives.

From Civil Rights to Environmental Justice, DeKalb County Takes Action at DeKalb Green New Deal Event 

JULY 2, 2024

Panelist speakers from left to right: Codi Norred, Attorney Gerald Griggs, Joanna Kobylivker, Commissioner Ted Terry, Pastor Lee May, Djuan Coleon Smith, Lavonya Jones, and Rev. Marlin Harris

DEKALB COUNTY– This past weekend, Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) alongside faith leaders gathered with community members to discuss the intersectionality of civil rights and environmental justice, underscoring the imperative to protect fundamental human rights like access to clean water and a safe environment for all residents regardless of race or socio-economic status. 

DeKalb County residents have a long history of fighting against environmental injustices and this year Commissioner Terry proposed a resident-let environmental justice commission to address and advocate for environmental injustice and collaboratively identify short and long-term mitigation and restoration goals. The Board of Commissioners will vote on this resolution on July 23rd.

“As we seek to establish the Environmental Justice Commission, I want my community to feel empowered as we collectively address the environmental injustices that have burdened our communities for too long,” said Commissioner Terry (D-District 6). “Together, we will work to restore and improve a DeKalb County where environmental equity is not just a promise, but a reality.”

Panelists drew parallels between civil rights and environmental justice, emphasizing both as essential fights for human rights and calling for community action in the same spirit of activism that defined the Civil Rights era.

“The Civil Rights movement was about fighting for our basic human rights and yet again, we find ourselves in the same position, watching both action and inaction deteriorate the world we live in,” said Reverend Gerald Durley. “We can no longer accept that people in underserved communities are the most vulnerable to systematic neglect that impacts our waterways with waste and plastic and our neighborhoods with smog and pollution.” 

Participants highlighted the disproportionate impact of pollution on underserved communities and advocated for clean up measures that would hold entities accountable for environmental harms.

“We need our communities to feel empowered, to know that they don’t have to endure the environmental injustice imposed on them,” said Attorney Gerald Griggs, President of NAACP Georgia. “That’s why we need to have these community events, to have these conversations so that together we can create a DeKalb County where everyone’s human rights are protected.” 

There were close to one hundred residents present at this event, many of which expressed their interest in joining the proposed environmental justice commission. 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT

Demolition of Mall Marks a New Beginning for North DeKalb

The following is a statement from Commissioner Ted Terry (D-6) in response to the demolition of North DeKalb Mall. Commissioner Terry passed zoning legislation that would allow for the demolition of the mall and make way for Lulah Hills, an ambitious mixed-use project that will transform the area with residential units, retail and green spaces:

“The demolition of North DeKalb Mall is paving the way for the Lulah Hills project, which will bring new life to our community. I’m proud to have helped secure the investment to complete the trail connection and create a commercial incubator for entrepreneurs.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve integrated the principles of the DeKalb Green New Deal into this project, ensuring it includes affordable housing, sustainable design practices and abundant green spaces. These efforts will transform this area into a more livable and inclusive space for everyone. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts in the coming years.”