Council debates relief for resident hit with multi‑year estimated water charges; motion to waive portion fails

A Dearborn Heights resident who said her household received only estimated water bills since February 2019 told the City Council she was recently billed about $3,500 and asked the council to consider relief or a payment plan.

Councilman Modi presented a motion asking the council to discuss an estimated water bill for a resident on William Street and proposed waiving $1,062.07 of the balance. Council discussion noted the resident’s household circumstances—several children and a recent job loss—and acknowledged a longer administrative history of estimated bills and billing practices.

Council members and city staff discussed alternatives including a structured payment plan, waiving penalties, or administrative review by the treasury/controller. Several council members suggested a payment plan that spread the balance over months rather than placing a lien on property and recommended controller involvement to craft terms. Others warned against setting a broad precedent that would create unequal treatment.

When the council voted on the specific motion to waive $1,062.07, the roll call recorded: Nancy Bridal — No; Denise Malinowski Maxwell — No; Tom Wenzel — Yes; Hassan Ahmad — No; Moe Beydoun — Yes. The motion failed.

Council members asked administration to continue case work with the controller’s office and water department to verify estimated‑billing policies, to improve notification language on “E” codes on bills so customers understand an amount is estimated, and to return to council with options for targeted relief or payment plans.