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Mount Clemens commission approves audit engagement, joins homeowner assistance fund and adopts utility rate changes
Summary
The commission approved an engagement letter with Plante Moran for city audits, agreed to participate as a provider in the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund, and approved updated water and sewer rates after debate; one commissioner voted against the rate change.
The Mount Clemens City Commission approved several measures at its Aug. 15 meeting, including an audit engagement, participation in a homeowner assistance program and updated utility rates.
The commission approved an engagement letter with accounting firm Plante Moran to audit the city’s financial records. Commissioners discussed potential single‑audit requirements tied to federal funds and noted an increase in audit cost compared with prior years; staff said single‑audit requirements may apply in 2022–23.
The commission also approved a participation agreement to become a provider for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHOAF), a program that can assist homeowners with delinquent mortgage, condominium association, property tax or utility payments. Commissioners asked whether the program covers real estate taxes; staff said the agreement language and provider definition suggest the primary municipal exposure would be water and utility accounts and that participation is voluntary for both providers and homeowners. The agreement cites program activity through 2026.
On utility rates, the commission debated recommended increases to retail and wholesale water and sewer rates, VOR and septic hauler fees and miscellaneous charges. Commissioners noted the city has critical capital needs (pump station upgrades, sewer lining, CCTV inspection of collection systems) and that delaying repairs could worsen problems. One commissioner said she could not "in good conscience approve the increase in the retail Water and Sewer rates" and voted no; the motion passed on roll call. A staff representative said the recommended full increase to achieve neutrality was about 13.8% but the commission approved a smaller increase, citing available cash in the fund.
Each motion passed by roll call vote; the meeting record shows the utility‑rates motion passed with a single no vote. The commission also approved purchases, sole‑source waivers and the consent agenda.
