June 13th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Commissioners heard the concerns from a room full Bel Air residents regarding the cost and quality of their utilities during last night’s meeting.  County Administrator Jason Bennett said the commissioners aren’t able to just take over Bel Air’s water service, but they have a meeting planned with the new owner, American Water Works Company…

“We’ll report back what we hear from them and what they tell us and if they can’t answer us, we’re going to keep going farther.  There’s a lot more to come, and we know it is frustrating, we certainly know.  We operate water and sewer and we see how high these rates are.  They are very damaging to the residents.”

Commission President Dave Caporale also added that state officials are aware of the situation…

“It was recommended to the state attorney general’s office as well.  They’re aware of it, the state’s aware of it.  We’ll see where we get with the new company.  I grew up in Bel Air.  I lived there a long time and my mom and dad still live there.  We know where everyone’s are coming from.”