Fresh Loaf

Just minutes ago, the Atlanta City Council unanimously overrode Mayor Shirley Franklin’s veto, and in doing so, echoed their call for the city to conduct an audit of the Department of Watershed Management before the council votes on a 27.5 percent water and sewer rate increase.

UPDATE: Franklin, who’s currently in Las Vegas attending the International Council of Shopping Centers convention — Wayne Brady and Carson Kressley are also at the five-day event — issued this statement:

“As an advocate for the democratic process, I respect the Council’s right and responsibility to exercise the power of their vote, even when we may disagree. As elected officials our actions help determine the fate of this city and I would hope we would all do that based on research, data, best practices and what is in the best interest of the City, its’ residents and visitors.”

UPDATE: From Department of Watershed Management Spokesperson Janet Ward:

The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) continues to believe in open and transparent government. We are one of the most audited departments and utilities in the metropolitan area. An oversight task force from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, with representatives of GEFA, the State Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources and the City’s internal auditor and Department of Finance, performs an annual audit of our capital program. In addition, a private firm performs an annual external financial audit. Finally, the City’s internal auditor, who is currently undertaking an audit of the Department’s billing and revenue collection systems, performs regular audits of our operations.

The Department’s proposed budget includes funding for two full-time positions in the office of the City’s internal auditor that will be dedicated to auditing Watershed Management. In addition, as directed by a City Council resolution, DWM has been organizing a peer review group to analyze operations and financial management within the Department.

In short, DWM believes in audits. However, there appear to be some technical issues with the resolution passed by Council; because the resolution never went to committee, there was no opportunity to discuss the audit scope, procurement or funding. We look forward to meeting with the City’s internal auditor and with the Chief Procurement Officer as to how they intend to proceed with this effort. We are confident that, a well designed and professionally performed audit will confirm watershed management’s exceptional performance and stewardship.

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The city’s Department of Watershed Management has released its annual Water Quality Report. A cursory glance shows that what’s flowing from your tap is suitable to drink.

From Commissioner Rob Hunter:

“The Water Quality Report continues to show the City’s commitment to clean water,” said Commissioner Rob Hunter. “We are proud of our system and of the employees who work diligently to make sure that we offer drinking water of the exceptional quality that our customers have come to expect.”

The report will be inserted into city water customers’ next bills. To view it before then, click here.

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