During a recent government meeting, residents expressed significant concerns regarding the rising costs associated with water bills and the city's budgeting practices. One resident, Mr. Gallant, presented a detailed analysis of his water bill projections, highlighting an increase from $120.33 in April 2024 to approximately $183 by April 2028. This translates to an estimated additional $750 over four years for his household alone. He urged city officials to closely monitor the enterprise fund's financials to ensure that necessary expenses are justified and to consider potential adjustments to mitigate the financial burden on residents.

Another resident, Sheila Benton, raised alarms about the city's budgeting methodology. She noted that the Chief Financial Officer did not initiate the budget process using zero-based budgeting, a practice the city adopted in 2010. Benton expressed concern that starting from a different baseline could lead to inflated budget requests. She also questioned the implications of a proposed increase in the millage rate and urged city leaders to actively pursue state grants for stormwater and water infrastructure improvements to alleviate the financial pressure on citizens.

The discussions underscored a growing apprehension among residents about the sustainability of utility costs and the transparency of the city's financial planning. As the city prepares for upcoming fiscal years, the community is calling for a more thorough examination of budgetary practices and a commitment to securing external funding to support essential services without overburdening taxpayers.