“It’s definitely not something I like standing up here doing.”
Muskegon Public works director Dan VanderHeide says a 10-percent increase in water rates is needed to cover costs and continue paying off debt.
“To help supplement the operations and day to day capital needs. For the average bill in Muskegon about a $1.84 per month.”
“People at home are going to feel frustrated and upset.”
But Commissioner Katrina Kochin says increasing water rates will help the city pay off loans for lead service line and water main replacements and budget for future water filtration plant improvements:
“We need to make sure our water fund is solvent no pun intended.”
The average water bill in Muskegon is $184 per month. A consultant is helping Muskegon study ways to improve water affordability and Commissioner Jay Kilgo says the city is encouraging water conservation:
“Muskegon is going to be putting out some educational videos on ways you can save water to keep your water bills as low as possible.”
“I don’t love making this call it is not fun and I’m hoping that next year we don’t have to.”
