Monday, June 27, 2022
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
As the Belding City Council looks toward water and sewer improvements, they unanimously approved a second financial study related to water and sewer rates at Tuesday’s meeting.
Councilman Mike Scheid was absent from the meeting, which lasted less than 30 minutes.
As a homeowner in this city, Cari Scholtens is familiar with paying her taxes, fees and any other dues that may come before her as a beneficiary of municipal infrastructure.
What she wasn’t expecting, however, was a quarterly water/sewer bill last summer that came in at about six times higher than what she was used to paying.
Facing increasing costs for the wastewater treatment plant, building repair and other matters, the Belding City Council is considering increasing some rate and fees.
The City Council on Tuesday discussed the possibility of increasing water and sewer rates, along with certain miscellaneous fees, such as the Community Center rental fee. Councilman Mike Scheid was absent from the meeting.
The city of Stanton is continuing to discuss changing water and sewer shutoff dates to monthly and quarterly, although no decision has yet been finalized.
The idea of removing city shutoff dates altogether was also floated around during last Tuesday’s City Commission meeting; although, the city appears to be more actively looking into the quarterly shutoff option at this time.
The city of Stanton is continuing to discuss changing water and sewer shutoff dates to monthly and quarterly, although no decision has yet been finalized.
The idea of removing city shutoff dates altogether was also floated around during last Tuesday’s City Commission meeting; although, the city appears to be more actively looking into the quarterly shutoff option at this time.
City officials are considering changing the shutoff dates for water and sewer services from monthly to quarterly, although billing dates would remain the same despite the potential change.
Currently, Stanton residents are billed monthly for water and sewage usage. Bills are mailed out by the 15th of every month, with payment due by the 5th of the following month.
Carson City will be discharging from its sewer lagoons Aug. 25, 26, and 27 per the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).
Montcalm County commissioners are considering writing a check to the Sidney Township sewer fund even as an audit showing misallocated Drain Commission monies continues to be discussed.
During Monday’s Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, commissioners voted 8-0 to recommend the full board write a check for $136,389 to the Sidney Township sewer fund (Commissioner Brandon Stowell was absent). The full board will vote on the matter at their next regular meeting at 4 p.m. on May 24.
Sewer rates may be going up this summer after the Ionia City Council on Tuesday approved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 551, which amends certain sanitary sewer system rates and charges.
City Manager Precia Garland told council members that the fiscal year 2022 budget proposes an increase in the sanitary sewer system facilities maintenance charge and the commodity charge.
Tired of the cacophony that can come with living in the city? Sirens at all hours, the sounds of traffic and neighbors whopping it at all hours can make a homeowner long for the wide-open spaces of country life.
