Escanaba council adopts electric-rate ordinance, approves municipal contracts and schedules budget hearings
Loading...
Summary
At its Dec. 18 meeting, Escanaba City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1316 (energy waste reduction rates), approved a marina roof contract and wastewater heater replacements, and set three FY2026 budget public hearings.
Escanaba City Council on Thursday adopted Ordinance No. 1316 to add electric energy waste reduction rates required by the state of Michigan, approved several municipal contracts, and scheduled public hearings for the upcoming fiscal year budget.
Administration described Ordinance No. 1316 as implementing the state-mandated energy waste reduction program that replaces the prior energy optimization program and will allow residential and commercial customers to receive rebates for energy‑efficient appliance and LED lighting upgrades. A city staff representative and Mr. Percola said the program takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and estimated the collection rate at roughly one‑third of a cent for residential customers and one‑fifth of a cent for commercial customers. Council opened a public hearing, heard no public comment, and adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote.
Council also approved scheduling three public hearings to receive citizen input on the FY2026 budget on Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and Mar. 19, 2026. Administration said those hearings will be held during regular council meetings.
On capital and maintenance items, council approved a $25,000 contract with A and M Roofing to replace the roof at the Marina Harbor Master facility; staff described visibly aged shingles and rotting sheeting and said full replacement was more economical than piecemeal repairs. The contract was described in the meeting as unbudgeted in the marina budget; council approved the contract by roll call.
The council also approved hiring Secora (Iron Mountain) for six Modine heater replacements at the Escanaba wastewater treatment plant for a total not to exceed $22,979, including $1,000 contingency. Staff said the work was budgeted for this fiscal year and part of a routine series of annual replacements; multiple bids were received.
Appointments and reappointments on the consent portion of the docket were also acted on (see 'Votes at a glance' below).
