KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The City of Kalamazoo will immediately implement water rate hikes after receiving a graphic description of Kalamazoo’s aging water system.
Utility director Jim Baker says some of their water mains are over 100 years old, they have a water tanks and pumping stations that predate World War II.
They also have thousands of potentially dangerous, lead service lines that need replacing.
Township officials asked for a three month delay to settle a contract that they claim would guarantee more equity between the city and the townships, but Mayor Bobby Hopewell says rates have been frozen for three years because of the endless negotiations, and they can no longer wait.
The rate consultant is recommending they charge 8% more in 2017, and approve a 9% hike each of the next three years.
That will be easier to handle than the 15% the city should impose.
The 8% hike will be on the December 5th City agenda for first reading and it will return the agenda on the 19th for final adoption. If approved, it will take effect January 1, 2017.
The consultants say even with the rate increases, Kalamazoo City customers will still have some of the lowest water bills in the nation.
