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Committee approves $371,423 increase for county water-affordability assistance program
Summary
The committee recommended forwarding a budget amendment that increases funding for Macomb County's water utility assistance program by $371,423. The funds come from the state (MDHHS) and pay water providers directly on behalf of qualifying residents; vote was 13–0.
The committee voted to forward a budget amendment to the full board increasing Macomb County’s water-affordability assistance funding by $371,423.
Mr. Scott (last name not provided), representing Macomb Community Action, told commissioners the funds are state pass-through dollars (federally supported funds administered by MDHHS) intended to help residents who have large arrearages, face shutoff, or have already experienced shutoff. Scott said the program pays water providers directly rather than issuing cash to residents.
Commissioners asked whether the funds were an increase to the originally submitted 2025 budget; Scott confirmed the county is receiving a larger allocation from MDHHS and the amendment increases the program’s available funds accordingly. Commissioners also asked how the program engages with municipalities and utilities when a client faces a scheduled shutoff; Scott said staff negotiate with municipalities and may request a hold if additional funds can be secured to resolve the arrearage.
The committee voted 13–0 to recommend the amendment to the full board for final approval.
