The Cover Model Decision-Making Application Process

Mini case study(includes similar details from the Flint, Michigan water crisis 2014-1016.)

You are part of a mid-level management team for the city of South Falton, Georgia, water department. Most of you have been at the job for between two and six years.

An aging water system for the city requires $32 million in upgrades to homes. Three times during the past decade, city voters turned down bond issues that would have paid for repairs to the water system by raising taxes for 20 years.

In 2019, you, your team, and previous leaders who have since retired, decided to supplement the city water supply with water from the Ocmulgee River.

During the past two years, health issues have come to light including high levels of lead poisoning among city residents. An outbreak of Legionnaire disease has killed at least 12 people in 2021 and sickened dozens more. Some residents have been complaining to your department that the water coming from their taps is brown. Additionally, some water tests have revealed E.coli and coliform bacteria.

In the past, many people on your team at the water department have voiced concerns about the water supply, especially because high levels of lead to brain damage, slow growth development, learning and behavior problems, and nerve damage, especially in babies and children. You are concerned about the long-term effects of using the Ocmulgee River for the city's water supply, but that decision seemed like the only option because voters did not want to pay for an upgraded water system.

Your department is tasked with evaluating the current state of affairs in advance of a city retreat July 22^nd. The city council, city managers, media, and other stakeholders will be questioning your department in light of the health issues reported heavily in local, regional, and national media outlets.

Before creating the final report for the city retreat, you suggest using the COVER Model to evaluate the ethical issues in your department.

The City of Falton's Mission Statement:The department is dedicated tosustaining and protecting the city's resources, maintaining and upgrading the city's infrastructure and making improvements in the city to improve the quality of life.

The City of Falton's Vision Statement:Advocate for protecting and enhancing Georgia's natural environment. Advocate for ensuring that there is appropriate water for the environment. Support appropriate and continued investment in water resources, watersheds, water quality, and water infrastructure.

City Demographics

Population 107,500

African American 92%

White 4%

American Indian 1%

Two+ races 1.7%

Steps

1. First step: Determine the facts
2. Determine the facts
3. Identify the ethical issues
4. Consider alternatives
5. Identify the stakeholders

1. Create a COVER Model report. It should include:

• Brief overview
• C Code. Look to legalistic documents to inform their decision.
• O Outcomes. Cost-benefit analyses are rooted in utilitarian philosophy.
• V Values. rooted in many different philosophical theories which are discussed more fully below. Most of these theories are known as deontological, or duty-based, theories. (see mission and values statements)
• E. Editorial. What is the most negative aspect of each alternative in the eyes of the public?
• R Rule. The categorical imperative asks the decision-maker to evaluate each alternative as if that alternative were to become the rule for all others to follow

• One or two alternatives based on the COVER Model research. This will inform the report you will create for the upcoming city retreat.