Proposed water-sewer rate hike too costly

As Baltimore residents face proposed increases in water and sewer rates, we must ask whether this is truly the right solution (“Neglect can be costly: A lesson too easily lost,” Dec. 28). The Department of Public Works has proposed raising rates by 3% for water and 15% for sewer services starting in February. This would raise the average monthly water bill by nearly 10%. For many residents already grappling with rising living costs, this increase would only compound financial strain.

In addition to the financial burden, Baltimore residents have recently faced serious concerns about the safety of their water supply. Elevated levels of Legionella bacteria were discovered in municipal buildings, including City Hall, prompting closures and costly mitigation efforts. While these issues have been addressed in the affected buildings, they highlight the ongoing vulnerability of the city’s water system. Given these safety concerns, it’s difficult for residents to justify increased rates without assurances that water quality will meet the highest standards.

Raising rates in this context risks exacerbating economic inequities in a city where many already struggle to make ends meet. Low- and middle-income households, who would bear the brunt of this increase, are especially vulnerable. We should be exploring solutions that minimize hardship such as increasing operational efficiency in the water and sewer systems, expanding financial assistance for low-income households and leveraging public-private partnerships to secure additional funding.

Baltimore’s water infrastructure certainly needs attention but rate hikes are not the only solution. The city must find more equitable, sustainable ways to address the financial challenges of maintaining this essential service. Raising rates without addressing these underlying issues would not only hurt residents but undermine trust in the very system that should be safeguarding their health and wellbeing.

— Ya’akov Castro, Baltimore

Before raising taxes, ask Marylanders how to balance budget

As the Maryland General Assembly begins the difficult task of finding large budget fixes, we all wonder how much taxes are going up (“How Gov. Wes Moore handles Maryland’s budget crisis could determine his political future,” Jan. 12). I don’t think anyone will be surprised. Property taxes have increased dramatically. Power companies have increased prices and added an exhaustive list of fees to our bills. Cable, phone and internet providers have increased prices. And we know that food prices aren’t coming down any time soon.

Although inflation may have moderated overall, the cumulative effect is that more money is coming out of our pockets. Granted, while wage growth has outpaced inflation, these circumstances have not helped middle and lower income folks maintain a reasonable lifestyle. So, to help put tax increases on the bottom of the solution list, I have a novel idea for Gov. Wes Moore.

Why not ask citizens to send in ideas for how they would like to see Maryland meet our balanced budget mandate? There might be some great ideas from us, the little people.

I am betting that there are state employees who see lots of places where money could be saved. I know that reducing tolls was a nice pre-election handout from the previous governor but now the Transportation Trust Fund is struggling. I read that some nearby states had budget surpluses last year. Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia all did fine. How can we stimulate growth and revenues while changing the perception of Maryland as a highly taxed state?

At the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland should be far more attractive to companies that want access to large swaths of population, good port facilities, growing airport access and a nice supply of folks with great educations because of the outstanding universities we have in Maryland.

There are solutions and working together we can find them. Governor Moore, you are a creative visionary. I have confidence that you can guide the legislature toward creative, meaningful and fair solutions for the coming fiscal year and beyond.

— Anne London, Lutherville