U.S. Water News Online
DETROIT -- Suburbanites were steaming after the Detroit City Council voted to raise water rates for other communities that use its water system, but postponed a rate increase for its own residents.
City officials say the increases, which average 5.7 percent for the suburbs and 5.4 percent for the city, are needed to help pay to replace century-old water mains that average 50 leaks a week and to upgrade plants and pumping stations.
The council voted 5-4 to implement the suburban increases but postponed the increases for Detroit until the city administration presents a water affordability plan to help low-income residents cut their bills.
The increases are effective July 1 and will show up in August bills.
Detroit Deputy Mayor Anthony Adams and Water and Sewerage Department Director Victor Mercado said they were uncertain whether the council's decision is legal. The move also could threaten the water and sewer system's $450 million capital improvement program, compliance with federal Clean Water regulations and a bond sale deal already under way, they said.
Many suburban customers already are suspicious that Detroit overcharges them for water, and some communities have demanded more control over the system.
"This is clearly indicative of why we need a change in how the system is governed," Oakland County Drain Commissioner John McCulloch told the Detroit Free Press. "I can't fault the City Council for addressing the specific needs in their particular city, but obviously not when it impacts other parts of the region."
Joe Munem, spokesman for Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh, said the council's action was "obscene."
"The Detroit City Council has proven that they cannot cooperate regionally with anybody, be it the Detroit Zoo or this water rate increase," Munem told The Detroit News. He was referring to the council's initial rejection last month of a vote to transfer zoo operations to the Detroit Zoological Society, a decision that briefly put the zoo's future in jeopardy.
Return to the U.S. Water News' Archives page Or Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage
Editor@uswaternews.com
*Your Name:
*Your Email:
*Friend's Email:
Use a comma to separate e-mail addresses:
*Your Comments:
Hi, I thought you might like to read this article.
*Required Fields