Resident asks state probe and relief after delayed Maryland American Water bills

During public comment, Larry Smith thanked commissioners for their actions related to condemnation in several communities and raised concerns about delayed billing by Maryland American Water. Smith said many customers in his area are facing multiple bills arriving in succession and described the effect as "a significant economic hardship layered already in a severe affordability crisis." He asked that his correspondence and complaints be placed in the record and said he had submitted a complaint to the Maryland Public Service Commission requesting an investigation and consumer relief.

Smith gave specific examples he said are in his submitted records: one bill of $735 that would be split into payments and another household whose cumulative bill was "almost $2,000." He asked the commission to press for operational, technological and administrative fixes from the utility and to consider relief measures including bill forgiveness and interest‑free extended repayment. Smith identified affected communities (Beller, Pindoke, Lenox and Highlands Estates) and said he expected the Public Service Commission to take up the matter at its July 29 administrative hearing.

"Your vote to initiate condemnation demonstrated courage, leadership, and a commitment to protect every citizen in Allegheny County," Smith told the board in expressing thanks before urging action on the billing issue. The commission received Smith's comments for the record; no formal county action on the billing complaint was taken at the meeting.