A resident recently appeared before the Atlanta Water and Sewer Appeals Board to contest a 504-day lump sum water bill for her home. Despite board members agreeing that the City had failed her, the appeal was denied.

The resident, who does not reside in the home full-time, installed an irrigation system to comply with her HOA’s grass maintenance standards while away. She requested her water bill in June 2024 but did not receive it until over a year later, in July 2025. She argued that this delay denied her the opportunity to adjust her usage.

James Bibbs, a customer assurance specialist, admitted the lack of billing was an oversight on the City’s behalf. However, he maintained that the water usage was calculated accurately for that period, and the debt remains valid.

While several board members expressed sympathy, they noted that the City’s code prevents them from waiving charges in this scenario. Andrew Smith, assistant attorney for the board, clarified that the case does not meet the City Charter’s requirements for a “billing error credit,” which would include computer errors or meter malfunctions. “Me disagreeing with it still doesn’t change the code,” board member Earl Young said.

The session concluded with an offer for a payment plan.

“We all disagree with this,” Chair Rosanne Maltese said. “The water department really failed you in this situation, and we are unable to do anything about it.”

(Documented by Faith Mbadugha; additional reporting by Ada Wood)

Neighborhood Planning Unit L

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department highlighted cold-weather fire safety, urging HVAC system inspections and safe space heater use. Also discussed at this meeting: an ordinance which would require buildings to provide push-button entrances from ground-level public sidewalks to improve access for residents with disabilities. Documenter’s note: Toward the end of this meeting, members began lamenting the state of affairs in their neighborhood. One resident said NPU-L meetings are a “laughingstock” and that people often talk about “tuning in to the show.” “We’re fighting against each other,” she said. “People, we don’t have to like each other, but we can respect each other.” (Documented by Dominique Huff)

Clayton County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners approved a $195,000 contract for a countywide housing assessment that will also examine solutions for unsheltered residents. Also discussed at this meeting: Residents spoke out during public comment about poor conditions at the Clayton County Jail, accusing it of violating the 4th, 8th, and 14th amendment rights of people incarcerated there. (Documented by Dominique Huff)

TADs Community Conversation

Officials have proposed extending the City of Atlanta’s eight Tax Allocation Districts through 2055. TADs are a financing tool through which cities can use future growth in property tax revenue within a specific geographic area to fund redevelopment in that same area. Recent legislation proposed the extension, but, following strong pushback, the conversation was tabled by the Community Development/Human Services Committee last month. At a recent meeting hosted by SE Atlanta Neighbors Take Action, residents shared concerns about rising property taxes, the long timeline for TAD projects, and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Atlanta’s TAD revenue is administered by the nine-member Invest Atlanta Board of Directors. Attendees spoke against giving more decision-making power and tax revenue to IA rather than elected officials. Others suggested assessing each TAD’s extension based on its individual merits. (Documented by Natalie Pilgeram)

Atlanta Zoning Review Board

The Atlanta Housing Authority received approval to rezone properties on Field Road and Yates Drive for a new recycling facility. This Center for Hard to Recycle Materials, aka CHaRM, will include a community garden and host environmental education classes on the property, which has been subject to illegal dumping in the past. This is a key component of the Bowen Homes affordable housing redevelopment project. Also discussed at this meeting: Despite public concern, Pace Academy received a permit amendment to construct a recreational field on Rilman Road. (Documented by Faith Mbadugha)

This is Canopy Atlanta’s final newsletter of 2025.

As we head into the holidays, we’re hitting pause to reflect on the work we’ve done this year and to plan what comes next for Atlanta Documenters.

Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you forwarded For the Record to a friend, chipped in to keep the Documenters program running, or used our meeting notes to stay informed and engaged, we are so grateful for your support. If you’d like to help sustain Canopy Atlanta’s work, please consider making a year-end donation here.

Keep an eye on your inbox for Documenters program updates in the new year. Until then, Happy Holidays.