KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo city commission will hold a public hearing tonight on a proposal to raise water and sewer rates for 2025.
The proposal is for a 5% hike in water rates and a 12% increase sewer rates, just 1% lower than last year’s increase.
The commission’s efforts to blunt the impact of those hikes on the very poor are being utilized and will be available again next year.
The Community Action Agency is administering the program to help low income city residents get assistance.
Amber Leverette with the agency says it’s been a success so far, but they know there are others who could use the assistance.
Laura Jones with the Community Action Agency says they were able to help over 300 residents cover their water and wastewater bills during their last fiscal year, with low income customers who have received shut off notices getting priority assistance.
She says grants are capped at $3000 per year.
They also offer up to $5,000 in assistance to make plumbing repairs to fix leaks that could be running up water bills.
The Community Action Agency has scheduled walk-in events in neighborhoods where the need may be greatest and hope to schedule more. They have offices on South Westnedge and can be contacted by phone or online.
A final vote on the rate hikes will take place at the commission’s first meeting in December and if approved, would take effect January 1st.
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