Montgomery County Council members voted 6-3 Thursday to disapprove the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s $757.1 million budget, citing management disagreements.
The symbolic vote will not interrupt water or sewer service to the parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties served by the agency, as the commission’s proposed budget takes effect by default.
“I think I’ve reached a point of mounting frustration with the Prince George’s commissioners and with the WSSC,” said Montgomery Council Member Marilyn Praisner, D-District 4. “They have proceeded in an inappropriate fashion with issues that are important to Montgomery County.”
As an example, she gave the sale of the notorious “Site 2” sewage composting facility in Calverton to Montgomery County. The sale has been delayed and put off for nearly seven years. “The P.G. commissioners have not cooperated and worked with us,” Praisner said.
Lydia Wilson, spokeswoman for the commission, said she was not aware of any animosity between the utility and the county governments. “We have worked and do work collaboratively with them,” Wilson said.
The commission is overseen by the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils, but both councils must agree on any changes to the agency’s budget. Without that agreement, their proposed budget passes.
Prince George’s County also voted down the budget, but for different reasons.
Montgomery Council Members Michael Subin, Nancy Floreen and Howard Denis voted in favor of the budget.
“How can you vote against water?” Denis said.
The consumer’s budget
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
» 3 percent average rate increase in water and sewer bills
» $3.83 more on the customer’s quarterly bill
Source: WSSC
