Judge To Decide Detroit Water Shutoffs
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A judge soon will decide whether to tell Detroit to stop shutting off water if people can't pay their bill.
Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes has pledged to announce his decision Monday morning. He heard two days of testimony last week from water department officials and people with hardships.
WWJ's Charlie Langton says the plaintiffs argue they wanted a six-month halt on water shut-offs so a legitimate policy could be created to address the delinquent bills. Plaintiffs say that water is essential and should not be denied, in addition the city has no workable policy for low-income seniors and the disabled.
The city says that their system is fine and there is a need to collect unpaid water bills.
The water department says it will suffer financially if ordered to supply water without payment. Officials say 30,000 customers now are enrolled in two-year payment plans, but critics say the strategy still doesn't help the poorest residents.
City attorney Thomas O'Brien says "there are limits" to what the department can do.
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