September 15, 2026 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am hereby returning unsigned Bill Number 251021, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, and passed by City Council on June 11, 2026. Bill Number 251021 would change the eligibility threshold for residential water customers to enroll in the Income-based Water Rate Assistance Program, commonly known as the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) and affordable payment plans. While increasing access to affordability programs is a laudable goal, given the Water Department is financially dependent on rates and charges paid by customers for the services it provides, we are concerned about the loss of revenue projected from increasing the eligibility threshold and the resulting inequitable rate increases for Non-TAP customers the Water Department would need to implement to recover the lost revenue. For these reasons, I am returning Bill Number 251021 unsigned. Respectfully, Cherelle L. Parker M...

Title

September 15, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am hereby returning unsigned Bill Number 251021, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, and passed by City Council on June 11, 2026. Bill Number 251021 would change the eligibility threshold for residential water customers to enroll in the Income-based Water Rate Assistance Program, commonly known as the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) and affordable payment plans.

While increasing access to affordability programs is a laudable goal, given the Water Department is financially dependent on rates and charges paid by customers for the services it provides, we are concerned about the loss of revenue projected from increasing the eligibility threshold and the resulting inequitable rate increases for Non-TAP customers the Water Department would need to implement to recover the lost revenue.

For these reasons, I am returning Bill Number 251021 unsigned.

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor

End