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Mount Clemens approves water and sewer rate increases to fund infrastructure ahead of joining GLWA
Summary
The City Commission approved multiple water and sewer rate resolutions to cover capital projects and the planned closure of the city’s water treatment plant as it transitions to the Great Lakes Water Authority; average residential bills are estimated to rise about $2.28 per month.
The Mount Clemens City Commission on Aug. 25 approved a series of resolutions raising retail and wholesale water and sewer rates to pay for a backlog of capital projects and to support the city’s upcoming transition to the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).
City manager Shipman told commissioners that Plant Moran recommended a retail water consumption rate of $6.04 per unit and a water fixed monthly service charge of $11.10 (based on a 5/8" meter). The consultant recommended a sewer consumption rate of $7.36 per unit and a sewer fixed monthly service charge of $10.35. Shipman said those changes translate to an average residential increase of about $2.28 per month based on a 2.5‑unit monthly usage.
"Instead of treating its own water, the city will soon shutter the water treatment plant and join the Great Lakes Water Authority," Shipman said, adding the city also faces many required capital projects, including water main and sewer main replacements, hydrant and lead‑service line work, upgrades to pump stations and biosolids handling. "This money is going directly to covering that."
Commissioners expressed reluctance about raising rates but agreed the work is necessary. "None of us want to raise water rates," one commissioner said, "but there's no other way for us to get this work done." Several members described the increase as a "rip the band aid" approach intended to fund immediate projects while spreading the burden across user classes.
Votes at a glance: • Retail water and sewer rates resolution — approved (roll call vote). • Wholesale water rates resolution — approved (roll call vote). • District D wholesale sewer rate resolution — approved (roll call vote). • Vector and septic hauler rates resolution — approved (roll call vote). • Miscellaneous fees resolution — approved (roll call vote).
What it means: City staff said joining GLWA will require construction work at the distribution and collection system level; the rate increases are intended to fund that work and address an existing backlog of capital needs. Officials also said some funding came from recent state grants and loans, including debt forgiveness, but substantial local revenue will still be required.
Next steps: The approved resolutions allow staff to implement the new rates and continue planned capital projects. Staff also outlined further work on biosolids handling and other upgrades as the city proceeds with the GLWA transition.
