June 13th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Bel Air residents were out in force at last night’s County Commissioner meeting, repeating their request for a “force of four” meeting with county, state, and federal government officials to address skyrocketing water rates. Larry Smith who has been leading citizen efforts said the private company that Maryland Water Service is selling the system to has a history of high rates as well…

   

“We cannot take American Water and say wow – are things going to be different. Absolutely not. You can look across the country and American Water has a legacy, a legacy across the board of over-charging, over-gouging.”

Smith said the high rates are having effects beyond residents’ water bills…

   

“We’re seeing concerns about the devaluation of property values. That has impacts and implications across the board for the entirety of Allegany County. So this is a problem that can no longer be kicked down the road.”