Demand Financial Transparency from the City of Gulfport,MS Water Department
The Issue
My personal bond with the City of Gulfport, MS, where I live and work, compels me to start this petition. I have experienced first-hand the lack of financial transparency demonstrated by the Gulfport Water Department. This opaqueness in the handling of financial transactions fosters what can potentially be perceived as deceptive business practices.
Citizens have a right to clarity about how their money is being spent and managed. It is essential for building trust between government institutions and those they are supposed to serve. With over 70,000 potential customers reliant on the Water Department of Gulfport City, it's not just about me; it's about all of us deserving fair, clear, and transparent service.
In creating a more transparent financial working framework, the City of Gulfport Water Department may eliminate doubts and potential suspicion of mismanagement. Furthermore, it could enhance its relationship with customers by proving its commitment to good governance and accountability.
A culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability is a matter of public interest. The Citizens of Gulfport, Ms deserve to be provided with readily understandable and accessible information regarding our financial dealing with the Gulfport Water Department. Consequently, I am not asking for this change just for myself, but for every resident of Gulfport who pays their bills and deserves to know where their money is going.
1. All water customers are entitled to their deposit returned to them once the service has been disconnected and the finale financial obligation has been meet. No matter the duration of the stay at the property or how long or short the account was open. With that being stated the City of Gulfport Water Department should remove the 12-month mandate in order for the customer to receive their deposit back. Therefore if you stay less than 12 months should be allowed to keep your water department deposit? Its none of the water departments business how long you live or don't live on property associated with a water bill provided by the City of Gulfport Water Department.
2. In the event a customer needs to established a new account at a different location in the City of Gulfport and the previous water account was closed in good standings. Due diligence should be adhere to by the City of Gulfport Water Department Webpage when addressing a customer right to know if an additional deposit will be need when moving to a new residence with in the city limits of Gulfport or can the old deposit be used as a transfer deposit or will a new deposit be require and the old deposit returned to the customer? City has yet to respond to my inquiries.
Water Leak issues
3. If you are a renter and have an excessive water bill due to a water leakage with a leak alarm to validate the leakage. It has been my experience allowing the Water Company to speak to the homeowner, property manager or landlord was a bad idea for me. Generally, a water company cannot provide your billing statements and or your account information to your property owner if the account is in your name. As this would be a violation of privacy and consumer protection laws, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
It is has been my experience the City of Gulfport Water Department will not hold the Landlord / property management responsible for the leak. Thus, the landlord speaking to the water department is just a way to placate the renter with false promises. The way the water department has presented the leak issue to me "your account, your problem" while making a profit off of the mishandling of the water leakage. A leakage validate by the City of Gulfport Water department leak * Alarm leak.
Therefore, it has been my experience if you want your landlord involved as it relates to discussing your water bill with the water department its best, based on my experience the owner of the account gives a WRITTEN permission note the to the water department to allow such communications to take place between the landlord. If permission is not given the Water Department can not talks about your bill with the homeowner, property manager or landlord it would be a violation of your right to privacy and you can file complaint with the Federal trade commission as outline by Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act.
* (What is a leak Alarm? When excess water is flowing thought the water meter an alarm goes off "somewhere in the department of H2O. The water department will not notify the customer as a good will gesture. The water department expect your to call them if you "the customer" notices a higher than normal water bill.)
The City of Gulfport water has shown a deliberate indifference when dealing water customers' who rent as well as many homeowners. However, rental customer seem to endure the worst of the City of Gulfport lack of transparency and being taken advantage of by the city water department. Many landlord and or property managers understand the breakdown all to well and I believe Landlords understand they will never be held accountable for renting house that would would not past housing inspection as well as failing to make the necessary repairs to stop any and all leaks. Thus, leaving the rental tenant responsible for a high water bill created by landlords, failure to make the necessary repairs to stop an and all water leaks. As well as compensating renter for the water bill overage.
According Mississippi Landlord Tenant Act § 89-8-15. If, within thirty (30) days after written notice to the landlord of a specific and material defect does not make requested repaired constitutes as a breach of the terms of the rental agreement or of the obligation of the landlord
Tyler Technologies and transactions fee
5. As of February 21, 2025, The city of Gulfport has enter a relationship with Tyler Technologies. Tyler Technologies is a company that provides software solutions for property tax management . Tyler Payments is a platform that allows the public sector to accept payments for bills, fees, tickets and fines. As a City of Gulfport Water Department customer of a utility bill you will be charged by Tyler Technologies a service fee of 2.65% of transaction amount plus a minimum fee of $3.00. Please explain why Tyler Technologies is entitled to 2.65% of the customers water bill! Btw, I reached out to Tyler Technologies (TT) for information related to 2.65% and this is what " they had to say"!
Question: How can we help? Select... I'm a citizen user of a Tyler app or product and need information
TT's answer: Please contact your government or school district organization directly for help or questions with Tyler apps or products. If necessary, they will reach out to us for client support.
Remedies / solutions
When a new customer is establishing a new water account with the City of Gulfport Mississippi information should be provided information concerning the average water usage per occupant or if the property has a history of excess water usage when requested. As well as when requested about the history of the rental property provide the customer with the history of any leak alarms.
2. If there is a history of leakage demand as that the Landlord/ Homeowner fix the leakage request support from the H2O to check for leaks on either the city side or the customer side. Do not trust your landlord to do the work; As I was told by one of the customer service rep. Your bill, Your problem! Trust me the water department knew before anyone their was a leak at your rental property or home before you moved in. The Water Department has nothing to lose by billing you and collecting extra money for a leak on property you do not own. Thus, as long as the tenant is paying the overage the landlord has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Unless you seek help base on the Mississippi Landlord Tenant Act § 89-8-15.
4. Demand all billing transaction such as deposits and return of deposits, even if someone moves out before the 12 months are up, and the renter or the homeowner should receive their deposit returned! No one should have to asked for their deposit back as I was told by the finance department.
5. The City of Gulfport Water Department website needs update Sec. 11-13 -Execution of Customers' Contracts should be update. The wording should reflect short-term housing and not take a customer’s water deposit because the City of Gulfport Water Department lack of fiduciary responsibility and abuse their authority as it reflects their legal and ethical obligation to the City Of Gulfport Water Department customers.
However, A "utility deposit return" means the refund of a security deposit or refundable amount paid to a utility company (e.g., electricity, water, gas) after a period of service, typically when the customer ceases service or their account is in good standing. This definition is no where to be found on the City of Gulfport Water Department website.
6. Find a solution to Tyler Technologies such as another company.
Tyler Technologies should not profit from high water bill because of a water leak proven by a leak alarm.
For homeowner and renters: FYI
Utility Customer Defraud [97-25-3] Provided further, any employee, stockholder, or member of the board of directors who, with intent to defraud a customer, falsifies, or acquiesces in the falsifying, of any record which results in billing in excess of the amount lawfully due and owing, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or sentenced to serve not more than six (6) months in jail, or both.
Please join me in this fight. Every signature counts. Together, we can influence change, bring transparency and restore faith in our public departments.
Thank you for your support,
Layla
The Issue
My personal bond with the City of Gulfport, MS, where I live and work, compels me to start this petition. I have experienced first-hand the lack of financial transparency demonstrated by the Gulfport Water Department. This opaqueness in the handling of financial transactions fosters what can potentially be perceived as deceptive business practices.
Citizens have a right to clarity about how their money is being spent and managed. It is essential for building trust between government institutions and those they are supposed to serve. With over 70,000 potential customers reliant on the Water Department of Gulfport City, it's not just about me; it's about all of us deserving fair, clear, and transparent service.
In creating a more transparent financial working framework, the City of Gulfport Water Department may eliminate doubts and potential suspicion of mismanagement. Furthermore, it could enhance its relationship with customers by proving its commitment to good governance and accountability.
A culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability is a matter of public interest. The Citizens of Gulfport, Ms deserve to be provided with readily understandable and accessible information regarding our financial dealing with the Gulfport Water Department. Consequently, I am not asking for this change just for myself, but for every resident of Gulfport who pays their bills and deserves to know where their money is going.
1. All water customers are entitled to their deposit returned to them once the service has been disconnected and the finale financial obligation has been meet. No matter the duration of the stay at the property or how long or short the account was open. With that being stated the City of Gulfport Water Department should remove the 12-month mandate in order for the customer to receive their deposit back. Therefore if you stay less than 12 months should be allowed to keep your water department deposit? Its none of the water departments business how long you live or don't live on property associated with a water bill provided by the City of Gulfport Water Department.
2. In the event a customer needs to established a new account at a different location in the City of Gulfport and the previous water account was closed in good standings. Due diligence should be adhere to by the City of Gulfport Water Department Webpage when addressing a customer right to know if an additional deposit will be need when moving to a new residence with in the city limits of Gulfport or can the old deposit be used as a transfer deposit or will a new deposit be require and the old deposit returned to the customer? City has yet to respond to my inquiries.
Water Leak issues
3. If you are a renter and have an excessive water bill due to a water leakage with a leak alarm to validate the leakage. It has been my experience allowing the Water Company to speak to the homeowner, property manager or landlord was a bad idea for me. Generally, a water company cannot provide your billing statements and or your account information to your property owner if the account is in your name. As this would be a violation of privacy and consumer protection laws, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
It is has been my experience the City of Gulfport Water Department will not hold the Landlord / property management responsible for the leak. Thus, the landlord speaking to the water department is just a way to placate the renter with false promises. The way the water department has presented the leak issue to me "your account, your problem" while making a profit off of the mishandling of the water leakage. A leakage validate by the City of Gulfport Water department leak * Alarm leak.
Therefore, it has been my experience if you want your landlord involved as it relates to discussing your water bill with the water department its best, based on my experience the owner of the account gives a WRITTEN permission note the to the water department to allow such communications to take place between the landlord. If permission is not given the Water Department can not talks about your bill with the homeowner, property manager or landlord it would be a violation of your right to privacy and you can file complaint with the Federal trade commission as outline by Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act.
* (What is a leak Alarm? When excess water is flowing thought the water meter an alarm goes off "somewhere in the department of H2O. The water department will not notify the customer as a good will gesture. The water department expect your to call them if you "the customer" notices a higher than normal water bill.)
The City of Gulfport water has shown a deliberate indifference when dealing water customers' who rent as well as many homeowners. However, rental customer seem to endure the worst of the City of Gulfport lack of transparency and being taken advantage of by the city water department. Many landlord and or property managers understand the breakdown all to well and I believe Landlords understand they will never be held accountable for renting house that would would not past housing inspection as well as failing to make the necessary repairs to stop any and all leaks. Thus, leaving the rental tenant responsible for a high water bill created by landlords, failure to make the necessary repairs to stop an and all water leaks. As well as compensating renter for the water bill overage.
According Mississippi Landlord Tenant Act § 89-8-15. If, within thirty (30) days after written notice to the landlord of a specific and material defect does not make requested repaired constitutes as a breach of the terms of the rental agreement or of the obligation of the landlord
Tyler Technologies and transactions fee
5. As of February 21, 2025, The city of Gulfport has enter a relationship with Tyler Technologies. Tyler Technologies is a company that provides software solutions for property tax management . Tyler Payments is a platform that allows the public sector to accept payments for bills, fees, tickets and fines. As a City of Gulfport Water Department customer of a utility bill you will be charged by Tyler Technologies a service fee of 2.65% of transaction amount plus a minimum fee of $3.00. Please explain why Tyler Technologies is entitled to 2.65% of the customers water bill! Btw, I reached out to Tyler Technologies (TT) for information related to 2.65% and this is what " they had to say"!
Question: How can we help? Select... I'm a citizen user of a Tyler app or product and need information
TT's answer: Please contact your government or school district organization directly for help or questions with Tyler apps or products. If necessary, they will reach out to us for client support.
Remedies / solutions
When a new customer is establishing a new water account with the City of Gulfport Mississippi information should be provided information concerning the average water usage per occupant or if the property has a history of excess water usage when requested. As well as when requested about the history of the rental property provide the customer with the history of any leak alarms.
2. If there is a history of leakage demand as that the Landlord/ Homeowner fix the leakage request support from the H2O to check for leaks on either the city side or the customer side. Do not trust your landlord to do the work; As I was told by one of the customer service rep. Your bill, Your problem! Trust me the water department knew before anyone their was a leak at your rental property or home before you moved in. The Water Department has nothing to lose by billing you and collecting extra money for a leak on property you do not own. Thus, as long as the tenant is paying the overage the landlord has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Unless you seek help base on the Mississippi Landlord Tenant Act § 89-8-15.
4. Demand all billing transaction such as deposits and return of deposits, even if someone moves out before the 12 months are up, and the renter or the homeowner should receive their deposit returned! No one should have to asked for their deposit back as I was told by the finance department.
5. The City of Gulfport Water Department website needs update Sec. 11-13 -Execution of Customers' Contracts should be update. The wording should reflect short-term housing and not take a customer’s water deposit because the City of Gulfport Water Department lack of fiduciary responsibility and abuse their authority as it reflects their legal and ethical obligation to the City Of Gulfport Water Department customers.
However, A "utility deposit return" means the refund of a security deposit or refundable amount paid to a utility company (e.g., electricity, water, gas) after a period of service, typically when the customer ceases service or their account is in good standing. This definition is no where to be found on the City of Gulfport Water Department website.
6. Find a solution to Tyler Technologies such as another company.
Tyler Technologies should not profit from high water bill because of a water leak proven by a leak alarm.
For homeowner and renters: FYI
Utility Customer Defraud [97-25-3] Provided further, any employee, stockholder, or member of the board of directors who, with intent to defraud a customer, falsifies, or acquiesces in the falsifying, of any record which results in billing in excess of the amount lawfully due and owing, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or sentenced to serve not more than six (6) months in jail, or both.
Please join me in this fight. Every signature counts. Together, we can influence change, bring transparency and restore faith in our public departments.
Thank you for your support,
Layla
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on July 4, 2024