Council eliminates $100 water deposit for renters to reduce barriers

Albany City Council adopted a resolution on Nov. 5 eliminating the $100 deposit for new water accounts held by renters.

Finance Director Gina Yeager told the council that utility billing recently moved into the finance department and that customer-service staff recommended removing the deposit for renters because administering deposits and refunds generated significant administrative work, including unclaimed-property reporting when refund checks go uncashed. Staff said the change aligns with strategic goals to reduce barriers for low-income residents and that the administrative savings are likely to offset costs associated with eliminating the deposit.

Councilors expressed support. One councilor who identified as a renter said she supported the change. The council moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by voice vote.

"It supports our strategic plan. It gives us that great neighborhoods (goal). It eliminates some of those barriers to new residents, to low-income renters," Yeager said.

The resolution applies to new water accounts for renters; property owners will continue to be required to meet any applicable deposit policy.

Staff will implement the policy change through the finance and utility-billing teams and adjust administrative procedures accordingly.