KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo City Commission at their meeting tonight will formally receive a request for a 14% hike in water rates and a 12% increase in sewer rates that will apply to everyone who uses the city owned utility.
City officials say Kalamazoo ratepayers will still be on the lower end of the scale compared to other communities in Michigan, but no longer at the bottom.
The new rate structure will also take a step towards leveling out rates between city and township customers, but not yet balance them.
According to Utility Director Jim Baker, an aging infrastructure, lead pipe removal, stiffer water quality requirements, and wastewater treatment plant upgrades are driving the hikes.
A final vote will come in two weeks after the public has gotten a chance to weigh in on the rate hikes, which would be the largest in decades.
Comments