DWP Sued by Taxpayer Group Over Billings

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.