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Councilmember Willower: large commercial debts show city can absorb protections for vulnerable customers
Summary
Councilmember Christian Willower said FY25 delinquent water accounts totaled about $15 million, with the top 100 commercial accounts owing roughly $3.8 million; he argued the city already carries significant debt and should protect seniors, disabled residents and young children from shutoffs without jeopardizing utility finances.
Councilmember Christian Willower told the press conference he plans to vote to overturn Mayor Kearney's veto and framed the ordinance as a question of political will rather than solvency. Willower said he requested the city's top 100 delinquent accounts and cited fiscal data for FY25.
"In FY25, there was $15,000,000 in delinquent accounts for the city of Wilmington in water billing. But the top 100 commercial accounts owed $3,800,000 of that," Willower said. He singled out one large account, the Diamond State Port Corporation, which he said owed the city "over $1,200,000" and noted some of that amount was due to a leak. Willower argued that if the city can carry debt for large commercial customers, it can also protect vulnerable residential households.
Willower acknowledged the need to address leaks and unequal treatment, saying some high bills are leak-related and the city should treat residential customers equitably. He described the issue as "not a financial question. This is a question of will."
