COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council approved a proposed rate hike for water and wastewater services during its Monday , meeting, following a recommendation from the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU).
The plan scheduled to take effect July 1, includes a 3.9% increase for water and a 3.0% increase for wastewater. For an average residential customer in the city, this translates to an estimated monthly increase of approximately $1.95, or $1.20 for water and $0.75 for wastewater.
CBPU Director Paul Jakubczak said according to the cost-of-service study by Utility Financial Solutions, LLC, these adjustments are critical for maintaining financial stability and funding over $50 million in infrastructure upgrades planned for the next five years.
Major projects driving the need for additional revenue include a $30 million expansion of the wastewater treatment facility and nearly $14.4 million in water system improvements, such as replacing lead service lines and repairing the Garfield Road water tower.
Jakubczak noted that the board will continue to review financial ratios and cash balances annually to determine if future adjustments are necessary.
Also at last nights meeting council approved a new three year contract with Republic Services for waste collection, the new contract will run from July of this year through May of 2029. The City has contracted through since 2012. The monthly cost for the first year will be $16.95 per customer rising to $18.69 by the third year of the contract.
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