Residents urge caution on city housing interventions; ask for clearer water‑board purpose

Two members of the public told the Georgetown council on Nov. 24 they want clearer policy direction from elected officials on housing and water governance.

Steve Glass spoke first during public comment about the Office of Affordable Housing and homelessness efforts. He expressed skepticism that municipal purchase-and‑rehab projects—an example cited by staff as a possible use of city resources—would increase housing affordability and urged a market‑led approach. "When the government gets involved in things, it always results in a shortage," Glass said, and he criticized past removals of small houses near a county justice building as contributing to housing loss.

Later, Dan Holman, a Georgetown resident, focused on upcoming vacancies on the Georgetown Municipal Water and Sewer Service (GMWSS) board. He told council that several of the recommended appointees appear to have professional or political backgrounds and asked the mayor to explain in writing what the water board’s purpose should be and what criteria the mayor used to select nominees. Holman suggested workshops or public briefings so board members can share insights with council and the public.

Council members acknowledged the comments and directed staff and the mayor to provide additional background on the water board and to ensure candidates’ resumes and selection criteria are shared with council prior to votes.