Out of renewals, water-debt collection deal could get a $1.53M extension

Atlanta’s water department wants another year with its outside collection-support contractor, with up to $1,526,467 in additional funding. There’s a procedural hurdle: the agreement has no renewal options left.⁠[1]

Proposed ordinance 26-O-1623 would waive the city’s procurement source-selection rules to extend Allied International Credit Corp. (US)’s agreement from December 16, 2026, through December 15, 2027. The current term ends December 15, 2026.⁠[1]

The Department of Watershed Management argues that keeping Allied would avoid interrupting collections and preserve a flexible workforce to pursue overdue account balances. The proposal cites the contractor’s familiarity with customer information, payment plans and collection processes, along with its ability to scale staffing to operational needs.⁠[1]

The ordinance reports that Allied has recovered approximately $2.57 million from $32.91 million in receivables since the agreement began. That is a cumulative recovery figure, while the $1.53 million request would fund a future year—not a matching-period comparison of collections and costs.⁠[1]

The requested spending cap is about 9% higher than the current year’s $1.4 million authorization. The extension would be paid from the city’s Water & Wastewater Renewal & Revenue Fund.⁠[1]

The extension is proposed, not approved. The packet lists City Utilities Committee consideration for October 27 at 10 a.m. and City Council consideration for November 2 at 1 p.m. Even if authorized, the amendment would not bind the city until the mayor or his designee signs it and delivers it to Allied.⁠[1]