KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As part of the 2026 Kalamazoo city budget, water rates will be going up 6.5% for residents, and sewer rates will rise 9%, not only for city dwellers, but those in the townships and other communities on the city’s water system.
Commissioners got their first look at the proposal this week.
Utilities director James Baker says the rates, if approved, will take effect January 1st.
“That’s about $5 a month for a city customer, about $4.40 a month for a township customer.”
Baker says despite the increases, local utility customers are still getting a better deal than in many other Michigan towns.
“You see that across-the-board average rate for water wastewater is about $75.00 a month, Kalamazoo was below that.”
It is the latest in a series of annual hikes required by stricter regulations imposed after the problems in Flint, higher costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the city’s aging infrastructure.
Both rate hikes will be on the city commission agenda for a vote at their next meeting.
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