It's not always something improper that reveals flaws in government. Sometimes problems are apparent when protocol is being followed, but public resentment is provoked.
Such resentment was a widespread reaction in Baltimore County to the surprise April 3 announcement from the administration of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz that water and sewer rates were going up 15 percent starting July 1. For a family of four, that's about $141 more a year.
Of course, the announcement came with justification — some $32 million a year in new revenue is necessary to upgrade pipes and sewage treatment plants. The county, under a federal order to make these improvements, estimates that repairs will cost $900 million from now until 2020.
We fully acknowledge the pressing need for infrastructure improvements for water and sewer in Baltimore County
However, the consent decree from the feds ordering these upgrades came down more than a decade ago. The decree affected both Baltimore city and county, which share the cost of running the regional water district. The city responded with approval of a three-year schedule of increases in 2013. For its part, the county bided its time for years, saying annual evaluations would determine need.
It was no surprise that members of County Council said they were blindsided by the rate hike announcement. They said the Kamenetz administration gave no indication the raise was coming.
The fact is that County Council has no oversight over rates. Kamenetz does not owe council a heads-up when a rate hike is in the pipeline. No public hearings are mandated. No advocate for the public interest, including the County Council, need be consulted.
Why is this so? We do not pose this question out of suspicion that the Kamenetz administration is overcharging the public. For all we know, the proposed new rates could be less than what is necessary.
It's the process we regard as flawed. Why should water and sewer rates be exempt from the same public oversight — hearings, debate, advocacy — that applies in other areas of government?
In a democracy, citizens are not subject to arbitrary authority. And elected officials are not parental figures — they are public servants. Let's share in making decisions. After all, we're all grown-ups.