Garden City council adopts 5% water and sewer rate increase; approves sidewalk and fire-station contracts

Garden City's council voted unanimously on May 4 to set a planned 5% increase in water and sewer rates for FY2026'127 and approved a package of contract changes to advance the city's sidewalk program and complete fire-station repairs.

City Manager Gibbons told the council the 5% adjustment follows last year's comprehensive rate study and is intended to stabilize utility finances after prior reserve depletion. "It includes a planned 5% increase in water rates, which is consistent with the recommendation from last year's comprehensive rate study," Gibbons said, noting pass-through increases from the Great Lakes Water Authority and local maintenance needs.

Councilmember Kara Fotis acknowledged the burden on residents while urging acceptance of the increase to avoid larger, later hikes, noting that the authority is increasing wholesale charges as well. Fotis also pointed residents in need to the Water Residential Assistance Program (RAP) that can help qualifying households with bills and minor plumbing repairs.

The council then took up several action items. The sidewalk gap program contractor (OCG) requested a contract amendment to cover material and fuel cost increases: $1.50 per square foot for 4-inch and 6-inch concrete. Matt Miller, the city's community development/DDA director, said the change is covered by the grant and will not draw from city funds; he reported about 225 houses completed and roughly 375 still awaiting work. Council approved the amendment 7-0; Miller said the contractor also agreed to add 28 Saturday workdays to meet the grant deadline and staff will follow up on reported quality issues with inspection reports and pour certificates.

On public-safety infrastructure, Fire Chief Randy Keane presented a $11,341 change order to correct concrete and plumbing work inside the new fire station (including additional rebar and correcting piping depth). The council approved the change order 7-0. Keane also recommended consolidating multiple incoming electrical services into a single main service so the building can be fully supported by backup generation; council awarded that contract to Michigan Quality Electric, to be paid from the general fund, and approved the contract by unanimous vote.

What happens next: The water-rate ordinance is adopted for FY2026'127 under the new rates. The sidewalk program will continue under the amended contract, with staff tracking quality complaints and pursuing restoration work as needed. The fire-station electrical and concrete work will proceed under the approved contracts and will be followed by any required budget amendments as the fiscal year closes.

Votes at a glance: Water and sewer-rate ordinance adopted 7-0. Sidewalk contract amendment approved 7-0. Fire station concrete change order approved 7-0. Fire-station electrical contract awarded 7-0.