Mount Clemens commission backs resolution supporting state bill to allow stormwater utilities

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve a resolution supporting Michigan House Bill 4691, which would authorize the creation of stormwater utilities to fund stormwater treatment and underground infrastructure projects.

City Manager said the resolution is a statement of support for the bill’s authorization and stressed the commission is not authorizing any new local utility charges at this meeting. During discussion a commissioner asked whether support would mean additional costs for residents; the City Manager replied, “There is not,” when asked whether the measure would itself impose new taxes or utility charges on residents.

Supporters on the dais said the legislation would give local governments greater flexibility to combine funding sources to repair or replace aging pipes and to reduce localized flooding during major rain events. Opponents did not forcefully oppose the measure at the meeting; no amendments were proposed.

The commission approved the resolution by roll call; the responses recorded on the floor were yes from Campbell, Fournier, Kraft and Menser. The vote was recorded as an approval of the resolution supporting House Bill 4691.

The commission’s resolution will be forwarded to the governor’s office and the House Regulatory Reform Committee, as described in the resolution text presented at the meeting. The commission did not take any further legislative action at this meeting; staff and commissioners said the item was a formal expression of support rather than creation of a local utility.

Next steps: the resolution will be submitted as written to state lawmakers; any local adoption of a stormwater utility, rates or billing mechanism would require separate local approvals if the state law is enacted.