KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo City Commissioners have given initial approval to a 20% rate hike in next month’s sewer bills. An identical increase in water rates will likely kick in January 2023.
City Utility Director James Baker says they were already preparing a 12 to 15% hike for next year, when inflation forced them to recalculate with all their costs going up.
Baker says the financial picture is more acute on the wastewater side, and that’s why that hike will appear on next month’s bills.
He says they are committed to a $300-million capital program to upgrade their infrastructure, and more hikes will be needed.
Several residents protested the increases, and while commissioners say while they understand the pain it will cause, they say the water utilities are among the most critical services they provide.
Commissioner Chris Preadel says its a pay now, or pay more later situation.
Commissioners voted unanimously to put final approval of the twin hikes on their next agenda.
(reporting from John McNeill)
Comments