Residents press city on homelessness, roof repairs and an escalating $17,955.63 water bill; pastor presents proposal after community forum

Residents used the Nov. 3 City of Benton Harbor meeting to press officials on homelessness, roof repairs and a disputed water bill, and to describe local efforts to coordinate emergency shelter this winter.

Pastor Andre Palmer of Bethel Christian Restoration Center said a community forum on Oct. 23 drew about 80–100 stakeholders, including commissioners and members of an ad hoc committee established by the mayor, and that the forum produced recommendations and a proposal. “We had many stakeholders there,” Palmer said. He told the commission community organizations expressed willingness to participate and requested the city consider reallocating some funds and working with local funders to implement short-term shelter while longer-term solutions are developed.

Several residents described urgent individual needs. Arlene Pettigrew said inspectors had removed vents and roof material when they came to evaluate repairs for an 83‑year‑old relative and asked the city to help secure repairs. “I need somebody to help me. To let them people know that my roof would see each,” Pettigrew said, asking for assistance to get a roofer to inspect and repair the home.

William Frank Wagner, a landlord who said he has owned rental properties in the city for decades, said his water bills escalated over several months from approximately $400 to $3,400, then $10,700 and ultimately $17,955.63; he said his water had been shut off without notice. City staff advised Wagner about the city’s leak policy and directed him to the water payment center at City…