New Orleans City Council moves forward with overhauling SWBNO billing
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans City Council is one step closer to changing the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ billing practices.
Meanwhile, those changes are already in motion on the state level.
During a committee meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15, council members expressed frustration with the SWBNO over estimated bills they say don’t make sense.
“We do not know how many customers are currently in a black hole somewhere, asking for an investigation, asking for an appeal, that just get nothing,” said Council Vice President JP Morrell.
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Council members voted in favor of moving forward with an ordinance that would codify state legislation. Customers will receive the option for fixed-rate billing on their September bill, meaning equal monthly payments based on actual reads. Plus, estimated billing will be outlawed by January 2025.
“I thought that gave the sewage and water board adequate time to prepare and get adjusted for the elimination of those estimated bills. And my other hope, my other desire, is that it will expedite the process of rolling out the automated smart meters,” said State Representative Matthew Willard.
Sewerage and water board staff say they support the council’s ordinance but are hesitant about the turnaround.
“The only thing that we are asking for is for a reasonable amount of time to ensure a successful implementation of what’s being requested,” explained Rene Gonzalez, the SWBNO’s chief customer service officer.
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Following more rounds of questions, it seemed as if the council’s patience with the board had run out.
“You’ve had legislators now pass bills about opting in, ending estimates, making sure things are on time, and the time for compliance is now and not to have more excuses about why it can’t be done,” said Councilman Joe Giarrusso.
The ordinance also calls for billing complaints to go directly to the firm the council hired, Hammerman & Gaiber, for arbitration. Customers who are currently trying to dispute a bill also have the option to work with the firm.
The sewerage and water board did add there should be fewer billing discrepancies once they move over to smart meters, which they say is currently underway.
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