COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities Board of Directors approved the utility’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budgets Tuesday night. which includes water and wastewater rate increases.
There would be a 3.9 percent increase for water customers based on a Cost of Service Study from Utility Financial Solutions which would result in an additional cost of $1.20 per household per month.
There would also be a three percent wastewater rate increase based on the same study which would result in a hike of 75 cents per month for the average household.
Assistant Finance Director Carmen Cardenas talks about how they came up with the average cost per household
She says the rate increases are needed to stabilize income and avoid losses. She added they are necessary to maintain cash levels for future capital needs.
She said the most significant situation in the Wastewater Fund was the expected expansion of the Treatment Facility. Bids could possibly be awarded by the end of the year.
Included in the water budget was $1.5 million for replacement of lead water lines and $1 million for repairs to the Garfield Road tower.
The budgets were forwarded to the City Council for inclusion in the City Budget. If approved, the proposed rate increases are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
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