KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo’s water and sewer rates have doubled over the last half decade, with the latest increase of 12% approved in March. Tonight Kalamazoo City Commissioners will receive a proposal for another 20% hike next year.
Decades of deferred maintenance due to political wrangling over local rate setting have left the utility playing catch-up to upgrade its systems, and the Flint water crisis has made replacing lead feed lines a priority. Inflation and other factors are also playing a role in what a consultant, The Foster Group, says is the need for the higher rates.
Utility Director James Baker says residential customers in the city would pay 9 to 15 dollars more per month for water service and non-city users could see their monthly charges jump from over $10 to $17, based on usage.
The rate hikes would take effect in January if approved.
Commissioners will set a date for a public hearing before taking a final vote at a future meeting.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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