KALMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo Public Utilities Department is proposing more substantial rate hikes for for water and wastewater services in 2024, but a couple of City Commissioners may push back.
Utilities Director James Baker told the City Commission Monday night they have seen prices for chemicals, pipes and mains, and for sludge dumping soar, which is in addition to new regulations and requirements, the replacement of lead services lines, and work that being done to reduce odors coming from the wastewater plant, which all costs money.
Baker is proposing a 6% increase in water rates and a 12% hike in sewage bills. That will mean about a $5 to $6 hike each month if you receive both services.
City Commissioners Stephanie Hoffman and Quinna Decker are concerned what that will mean for low income residents.
Baker says they have a fund that can help qualified homeowners pay their bills, and it may be needed. He also says they will begin instituting service cutoffs for nonpayment again next year, something they suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city can no longer sustain that policy.
He will bring the proposed hikes to the City Commission’s first meeting in December, ask for approval at its second meeting, and if they vote yes, the higher rates will go into effect in January 2024.
Enough already. 28 % over the last 2 years is enough. Retirees are paying the bulk of the bill and already.