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.
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.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
