KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo area residents hooked up to the City’s water and sewer system could see double digit rate hikes this year.
Commissioners got a briefing on the draft proposal this week.
Utilities director Jim Baker says in order to make much needed improvements to their aging infrastructure, they will need a 14% hike in water rates and a 12% increase in sewer bills.
“It’s a big system that has to work 24/7, 365, so that our children can get a drink when they wake up in the middle of the night, and they are safe and protected,” Baker said.
While the rates are based on the financial needs of the system, there is also a political element because a new regional authority wants city users to pay the same as customers in the townships.
City residents have traditionally paid less for water service.
“A typical city resident water bill would go up by about five dollars a month,” Baker said. “A typical township bill would be about $2.87.”
Baker says the aging system not only needs maintenance, but upgrades to meet stiffer safety and purity requirements, and to improve pipes, pumps and water towers that are no longer considered safe or viable.
The City Commission sets the rates based on a recommendation from the regional oversight board, as well as the work of independent rate consultants.
Commissioners will receive a formal request for the hikes at their next meeting in two weeks and be asked to take a vote two weeks after that.
Kalamazoo City water numbers and figures in January 2022. (Photo via Kalamazoo City meeting, provided by John McNeil).
— Copy written by John McNeil —
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