KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo City Commissioners have unanimously approved a 20% hike in water and wastewater rates. They say it wasn’t a pleasant choice, but noted the alternative could be worse.
Several of the commissioners at their meeting Monday night mentioned Flint, Benton Harbor and Jackson Mississippi as good examples of what can go wrong if water systems aren’t maintained.
Once again residents turned out to oppose the hikes. City Utility Director James Baker says they have sent postcards out to explain the “water affordability” programs his department offers, to blunt the impact of the rate hike.
There is a QR code on the mailing that will take residents to a website with more details.
Unfortunately some of those programs won’t come on-line until 2024, when another double digit hike will be before commissioners.
The increase in sewer rates begins next month. Higher water bills will arrive in January 2023. Ratepayers in the city will pay about $9.00 per month.
It will be higher for surrounding townships because they already pay more for the services.
Baker revealed that if they had waited until January, as they normally would, to set the 2023 rates, they would have had to ask for a 25% hike, and a short delay would not change their recommendation.
All ratepayers will see a 20% increase: from single homeowners to major institutions and industries, and so will the City of Portage, which buys in bulk and then does its own billing.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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