DeKalb commissioners debate means‑tested water‑bill amnesty after residents recount crippling bills; vote deferred

DeKalb County commissioners heard emotional public testimony June 16 about long‑standing water bills and discussed a resolution requesting a means‑tested water‑bill amnesty program and a targeted review of uncollectible debt in blighted condominium communities. Committee members deferred the resolution for continued work, scheduling further consideration for July.

Committee Chair Commissioner Ted Terry opened public comment and then invited residents to speak. Business owner Kaye Park described what she said is a water bill “over $250,000” for a small retail complex on Buford Highway and the heavy pressure that creates for her tenants and family. Simone Correa said she bought a home in February and turned off the main water supply after pipes burst; she said she “has been without water for 3 months” and that county staff told her only to pay an average bill while the department investigated. Gregory Jones said his household was told it owed “$62,000” and that, even after a dispute, he was asked to pay $4,000 immediately; he said his son relies on a ventilator and a shutoff would be life‑threatening. Commissioners also received a written statement from the family of Iso and Linda Harry saying crews had shut off their water and that the couple had been told they faced a past due balance “over $30,000.”

Those public comments were followed by a presentation from David…