Baltimore County - Sewer Service Charge - Adjustment
Impact
The enactment of HB 333 could significantly impact property owners facing unexpected sewer service charges due to plumbing leaks. By providing a legal avenue to seek adjustments, it aims to alleviate financial burdens on property owners when plumbing issues arise. As sewer service charges can accumulate quickly, especially if a leak goes unnoticed for an extended period, this bill is an important consumer protection measure for residents in Baltimore County.
Summary
House Bill 333 addresses the issue of sewer service charges in Baltimore County by allowing property owners to request an adjustment to their sewer service charges under specific conditions. The bill stipulates that if a property owner experiences a leak in their interior plumbing, they have the right to seek an adjustment to their sewer bill. This adjustment is subject to providing a receipt from a licensed plumber confirming the leak and any additional information required by Baltimore County. However, adjustments are limited to once every three years per property owner.
Contention
While the bill primarily seems to offer benefits to property owners, there could be points of contention among local government entities regarding the implementation of these adjustments. Some may argue that granting adjustments could complicate the administrative process and raise concerns about verifying claims effectively. Additionally, there may be a debate about the potential loss of revenue for the county if a significant number of property owners take advantage of this provision.