DWP Sued by Taxpayer Group Over Billings
- Share via
A taxpayer group filed a lawsuit Thursday on behalf of Los Angeles residents, claiming the city Department of Water and Power overcharged them by $87 million in water bills.
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. filed the lawsuit in Superior Court on behalf of ratepayers, including Ivan Shinkle of North Hollywood, claiming the city took the $87 million for general fund programs.
Using fees for general tax revenue without a vote of the public is illegal under Proposition 218, the lawsuit claims.
“In the last four years, the city of Los Angeles has engaged in a scheme to overcharge DWP customers by over $87 million, or 5% of the DWP’s revenues for water usage,” said Jon Coupal, an attorney for the group.
City officials could not be reached for comment.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.