Requests the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to establish new billing policies and procedures.
The resolution calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the billing policies, suggesting that the new procedures include provisions for adjusting or extinguishing customer indebtedness and offering discounts to elderly, disabled, and low-income customers. Furthermore, it aims to eliminate arbitrary billing estimates and enhance overall customer service and communication. The quarterly reporting requirement to the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs signifies the importance of accountability in the new policies and procedures.
Senate Resolution 148, introduced by Senator Harris, requests the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to review and establish new billing policies and procedures for sewerage, water, and drainage services. This comes in response to frequent customer complaints regarding errors in their water bills and inadequate responses from the Board's staff. The resolution emphasizes the urgent need for a more efficient and accurate billing system to improve customer satisfaction and trust in the Board's billing processes.
The sentiment surrounding SR148 appears to be one of supported advocacy for the community's welfare. The requests align closely with public concerns, indicating a responsive legislative approach to citizen issues. This is expected to enhance trust in local governance and improve the overall customer experience with the Sewerage and Water Board.
While there seems to be broad support for the resolution, potential points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing the proposed changes and the associated financial implications for the Sewerage and Water Board. Discussions could also surface around the equality of the proposed discounts and assistance measures in addressing the diverse needs of the community. Specific challenges regarding the effectiveness of the proposed measures in safeguarding against further billing errors might also be analyzed.