KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Water and Sewer rates in Kalamazoo will be taking another jump this year as the utility system continues an aggressive campaign to upgrade its facilities.
Director Jim Baker says they are fighting odors at their plant, bursting sewer and water lines, aging towers and there is little room for error.
“We have a water main that is over 100 years old today. It’s important for us to get on a replacement schedule and replace this main.”
Rate Consultant Bart Foster says they are proposing that the average customer pay about $4.90 more per month in the city, and $4.32 in the townships, depending on their usage. It’s another 14% hike system wide on water and 10% on the wastewater system.
Mayor Dave Anderson says we all take water utilities for granted until something goes wrong, like it did in Flint and Parchment in recent years. Despite all the spending, they say Kalamazoo area rates are still the lowest of all the urban water and sewer systems in Michigan.
Commissioners received the report last night. Final approval is set for their next meeting February 15.
