RESOLUTION NO. RS2013-666

A resolution opposing the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency’s decision to charge tenants for certain utilities that previously had been included as part of the base monthly rental amount.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) administration recently notified tenants at the various housing communities that they were going to start being charged for certain utilities for which they had not been previously charged; and

WHEREAS, these new charges would apply to washers and dryers, as well a charge for air conditioning based upon the number of bedrooms; and

WHEREAS, many of the residents of the MDHA housing communities are elderly persons on fixed incomes who do not have the discretionary income to pay the increased utility charge without sacrificing essential items such as food or medication; and

WHEREAS, air conditioning in the summer can be a matter of life or death for residents, especially the elderly; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is of the understanding that the decision to begin charging for these utilities has not been formally approved by the MDHA Board of Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the timing of these increased utility costs will hit residents especially hard, as the city is in the process of trying to come out of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression and government services are being cut back due to budget reductions at the federal, state, and local level; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council desires to officially state its opposition to MDHA’s decision to charge tenants for additional utilities, which will have a negative impact on many of Nashville’s less fortunate citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as opposing the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency’s decision to charge tenants for certain utilities that previously had been included as part of the base monthly rental amount.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to MDHA Interim Executive Director Jim Thiltgen, and to each member of the MDHA Board of Commissioners.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Erica Gilmore, Jacobia Dowell