PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Portage City Council had a lump of coal for homeowners during their last meeting before Christmas on Tuesday, December 20, and residents turned out to complain about it.
The Council approved new fees for 2023 with some costs for residential improvements increasing from 50% to more than double what the city has been charging.
When Portage hooks up new sewer or water lines, installs sidewalks, do petitioned roadwork or make other improvements, they assess affected homeowners a third of the cost. City Utilities Director Kendra Gwin says construction costs are way up.
Homeowner Gary Tolliver says he just learned that instead of paying $4000 for a new water line, it will cost him $9600.
The assessment hikes range from about 25% for sidewalks, to 71% more for sewer connections, to 125% for new water service. Residents complained that it’s just too much.
The Council also approved fee hikes for a wide range of services from parks and rec. fees to building permits. but none of them going up as high as the assessments. Homeowners are permitted to pay off the assessments over 20-years, as the city has deferments and relief plans that eligible residents can qualify to get.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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