At a time when City Council should be doing everything it can to reduce costs for Philadelphians, members instead voted to raise the cost of your monthly water bill by reappointing Water Commissioner Abby Pozefsky, who has consistently voted for rate increases. It is estimated this year’s increase could raise some users’ rate by $35.00. This comes at a time when “affordability” has become a buzz word in political circles, including, ironically enough, Philadelphia City Council.
The resolution to reappoint Pozefsky was introduced by chair of the Utilities Committee, Councilmember Mike Driscoll. The reappointment comes at a time when many Philadelphians are struggling with higher costs for food, shelter, and energy, while seeing increasing inflation that makes financial struggles more acute.
The final vote was unanimously in Pozefsky’s favor, despite the fact that city water rates have increased by 40% over the last six years. Council could, but did not choose to have a hearing on the issue, at which they could have asked potential nominees if they would continue the Water Rate Board’s practice of yearly rate increases. This did not occur.
It is also questionable as to why some members, who call affordability a major issue, voted in favor of the appointment despite the harm it could cause to working families. It has been suggested by numerous city hall sources, none of whom would comment on the record, that some councilmembers may not have understood the significance of the appointment, or simply voted in the affirmative because they were not fully aware of how the Water Rate Board operates, or even completely understand how the rate process works. It matters precious little if council was uninformed or willingly callous; the damage has been done.
Over the last few months, Hall Monitor has been sharing our concerns regarding the Water Rate Board with key members of council. We forwarded certain members our work on the issue and provided other documents outlining unusual practices. We were told these issues would be examined. They were not. Instead, members who were aware of these serious issues remained silent and voted along with their colleagues.
“Affordability” is not merely a cute word offered by the political class to explain myriad issues suffered by constituents; it is an everyday struggle for many Philadelphians who find themselves choosing between food and medicine, living in substandard housing, and barely being able to afford essentials, like water. If access to safe, clear drinking water is a right, city council abdicated their responsibility in this regard.
Additionally, council could be doing much more to ensure that Philadelphians do not have to face harsh and drastic increases in utility costs. For instance, why hasn’t City Council asked the two SEPTA board members they confirm why they supported fare increases and route cuts? Why are they not questioning these two appointees on whether they support SEPTA’s latest bus route scheme?
Why hasn’t City Council held a hearing on Councilmember Curtis Jones’ idea to adjust millage rates when property value increases? This would make reassessments cost-neutral for homeowners, saving them a significant amount every time their home values increase. Every other county in the commonwealth already does this; in Philadelphia, the legislation to simply examine this concept is unlikely to receive a hearing.
And regarding the Office of Property Assessment, who undertake reassessments for every building in the city, Council had suggested they would bring back OPA for a follow-up after their contentious budget hearing. This has yet to occur.
Instead, we have a City Council who seems unwilling to address issues over which they have some control, such as SEPTA, the Water Rate Board, and property taxes. Rubber-stamping board appointments to important agencies without even a simple discussion on the floor of council does a great disservice to the people of Philadelphia. Either City Council does not know these are serious issues, or they do not care. Both are equally bad.
Update: Councilmember Mike Driscoll offered the following comment:
“The resolution for Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board’s reappointment is voted on by the whole council and advanced through the Transportation and Utilities Committee on behalf of City Council. Through her extensive legal expertise and more than 30 years of public service to the City of Philadelphia, Ms. Poszefsky possesses the qualifications necessary to continue serving on the board to make decisions in the best interests of our city’s residents and businesses. City Council looks forward to her continued service and commitment to Philadelphia.”
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