KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo city commissioners held a special session Monday afternoon, August 29, to discuss increases in future water utility rates.
But there was one catch. Even though increases for both of Kalamazoo’s Water and Waste Water Utilities operations were recommended earlier in the year, even higher rates were proposed due to the city facing an estimated $1 million dollars in operating costs for 2022.
In a proposal before commissioners, City of Kalamazoo Director of Public Services James Baker stressed that timing was important in getting the increased rates approved and implemented.
Rate increases originally forecasted were 15% for water and 12% for wastewater. The recommended rate increases now, 20% across the board with the wastewater system increase taking effect October 1st, and the water system increase happening January 1st of 2023.
During the meeting, Baker told commissioners that skyrocketing inflation in the cost of fuel, supplies, and labor going towards repairing and replacing water lines, all the way down to the chemicals used to purify the water were the main drivers for the rate increase proposals.
He went onto say that programs to help those struggling to keep up with their utility bills were also in the works for 2024 through state grant dollars as well as more immediate help.
And this is something Vice Mayor Don Cooney wants to make sure is widely known to the public.
Commissioners are set to discuss the rates again on Tuesday September 6th, and give their final votes on them on Monday, September 19th.
Comments