Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the WSSC Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
WSSC bill advances with amendments; utility and county seek further negotiations
Summary
Council heard an overview of a WSSC-related bill that would add county representation, require a long-range financial plan, strengthen Inspector General independence, and require periodic external peer review; WSSC said it has not taken a formal position and is negotiating remaining issues.
County staff and a WSSC representative briefed the Council on an amended bill affecting the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC/WCC in transcript references), highlighting provisions on governance, audits and public disclosures.
Kathleen Boucher summarized key amendments: adding the DEP director as a Montgomery County commissioner-member with implementation timing discretion; requiring a long-range comprehensive financial plan and searchable website disclosures; changing how unusually high-bill relief is tracked; strengthening the Inspector General's independence and routing budget recommendations through the audit committee and commission; and requiring an external peer review every three years.
Monica Marquina, WSSC's Water Government Affairs Director, said the Commission has not adopted a formal position and is working with the bill sponsor on two remaining issues: the Avenel Coordinating Committee provision and language referencing ad valorem tax scenarios. "We do recognize that Delegate Corman has a difference of opinion at this point," Marquina said, and WSSC is reviewing potential nonlegislative agreements and amendments to address community concerns while clarifying it has no intention to impose ad valorem taxes.
The Council did not adopt a formal position at the meeting and asked staff to continue tracking negotiations and return with additional information.
