Commissioners at the Bel Air Town Hall meeting on Dec. 15 spent substantial time reviewing Maryland American Water’s proposed rate changes and the town’s potential options for responding to the Public Service Commission process.

During commissioners’ comments and a staff sidebar, members expressed concern that the rate application is confusing for residents and that proposed changes could affect both residential and commercial customers. Chair Eddington and other commissioners cited specific concerns including non‑revenue water figures, proposed late fees, shorter billing windows and the potential that commercial accounts would see larger percentage increases.

Eugene Stump, a resident and member of the Bel Air Police Department Citizens Advisory Board, also used public comment to underscore broader public‑safety funding needs; while that comment was not about the water case, commissioners linked overall budget planning and staffing priorities to the discussion of municipal costs and services.

Mike Krantz and town staff outlined procedural options: the Maryland Public Service Commission is holding evidentiary hearings at 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, currently scheduled to begin Jan. 13, 2026, and continue if needed through Jan. 15. Commissioners discussed whether the town could file written comments, seek to intervene in the case, or simply monitor the process. A staff member noted intervention deadlines and the compressed timetable around the holidays could limit the town’s ability to intervene; the board discussed filing written comments and working with counsel to evaluate intervention.

"It seems like the same rate increases is being impacting Severn, Maryland as well," one commissioner said, and staff confirmed the application is affecting multiple service areas. Another commissioner asked that staff prepare comparative billing tables showing old vs. new rates and percentage changes so residents and businesses can understand the practical impact on monthly bills.

Board members asked staff to coordinate with municipal counsel and the Maryland Public Service Commission filing system so the town’s comments (if any) meet procedural requirements and deadlines. Commissioners also discussed public outreach to inform businesses and residents about potential changes and next steps.

The board did not take a formal vote to intervene during the meeting; commissioners indicated follow‑up staff work and potential written comments would be prepared ahead of the PSC schedule.