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Metro Councilman Scott Reed (District 16) and State Representative Jared Bauman (District 28) will hold a press conference in the 1st floor press room of City Hall (601 W. Jefferson Street) on Thursday, October 17th at 10 a.m. During the press conference Councilman Reed and State Representative Bauman will discuss their request for a formal state audit of Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).
Councilman Scott Reed met with State Auditor Allison Ball earlier this year to request an audit of MSD. Councilman Reed was informed last month that Commonwealth of Kentucky State Auditor’s Office was proceeding with efforts to audit this quasi-governmental entity and wanted to share this progress with the people we serve.
“Our community has been facing year after year increases in our sewer rate. These rate hikes have had a cumulatively harmful effect on residents and businesses causing rates to increase approximately $40-60 annually, for the past 20 years. Seeing the MSD board make annual proposals to increase your rates with little to no interest in finding alternative means for operating within their budget has caused me to seek answers. After discussing this matter with colleagues, This spring, I decided to reach out to State Auditor Ball to seek her assistance. Last Month, Auditor Ball notified me that her team had been assembled and that a much-needed audit would take place.” – Metro Councilman Scott Reed
Following this request, additional information related to MSD rate increases, as well as the decision to award multiple employees with bonuses that seem out of line with government norms was brought to light by local media. These decisions brought additional scrutiny from a number of State Representative including but not limited to Representative Jason Nemes (District 33), Representative Jared Bauman (District 28) and Representative Kevin Bratcher (District 29).
“MSD is a debt-ridden runaway train driven by failed policies, questionable decision-making, and a lack of accountability to customers and taxpayers. Its constant, punitive rate hikes are hurting all Louisvillians, but especially those on fixed incomes. I look forward to Auditor Ball’s report and working with colleagues and stakeholders to address any issues it raises. Providing financial relief for our citizens is a top priority.” – State Representative Jared Bauman
Due to the size as well as complexity of MSD, the work of the State Auditor and her team assigned to review this matter is expected to extend into the next year.
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