Commissioner Ted Terry introduced a resolution asking the administration to implement water and wastewater customer protections, pause finance‑issued payment plans during an interim period, and coordinate with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta as it establishes a DeKalb Customer Advocates Office to help eligible customers.

Terry said the resolution is intended to protect the most vulnerable households and to ensure the intent of earlier board resolutions was realized. County administration agreed to present what actions are already in place and to provide a definitive document showing how the county is protecting low‑income customers; COO Williams (Urban League) and county finance staff will provide operational data.

Commissioners requested specific data for the item’s return: number of Urban League applicants, number approved as eligible, the count and status of payment plans, and whether some payment plans place customers above the 4.5% of income affordability threshold. County Attorney Linkus said the law department would analyze statutory parameters regarding collection of older bills and whether the county may be limited in pursuing some past amounts.

The committee voted to defer the resolution to the Nov. 18 Board of Commissioners meeting with a prior stop at FAB on Nov. 10. The administration and Urban League will provide data and legal analysis to inform any changes to payment plan policy and protections for low‑income customers.