BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – The Bronson City Council approved a request from the city staff Monday night to increase water and sewer rates by a total of $3.00 per month, based on projected costs in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. The increases will be $2.75 per month for sewer and 25 cents for water on the readiness-to-serve charge.
City Manager Brandon Mersman said the increase is rather minimal and will ensure that the water and sewer system remains fiscally viable over the long term. He says the increase will also allow the city to better fund its infrastructure.
Mersman says additional increases will likely be necessary next year, so the staff is recommending they be broken up over the course of a few years.
In regards to lead and copper, he pointed out the State of Michigan is expecting municipalities to replace all water service lines that may contain lead, galvanized steel piping, or components.
Mersman feels if this rule stands, it will have a major impact on future water rates.
Municipalities likely would have 20 years to take care of the replacements.
In other business, the Council reviewed Mersman’s job performance during a closed session. When they came back into open session, they voted to give him a three percent salary increase due to what they called an “outstanding performance” in office. Mersman has been the City Manager in Bronson for four years.
