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Mount Clemens commission adopts resolution opposing proposed state water-affordability bills
Summary
The commission adopted a resolution opposing proposed state legislation on water affordability, saying the bills would duplicate existing assistance, levy a uniform per-meter fee (cited at $24 initially, rising to $36) that could be regressive, and remove local opt-outs; commissioners and a state representative discussed legislative prospects.
The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to adopt a resolution opposing several recently introduced state bills on water affordability, citing concerns that the proposals would duplicate existing assistance programs and impose a uniform per-meter fee.
City staff explained the resolution by saying the bills "needlessly duplicate an existing and successful low-income assistance program" and that a mandated statewide per-meter fee—described at the meeting as an initial $24 that could increase to $36—would create a large statewide fund and would not allow counties or communities to opt out.
Staff and presenters compared the proposed bills to the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) residential assistance program and local options. The commission heard that GLWA’s program provides an income-based assistance plan offering up to $100 in monthly bill credits, up to $2,400 in arrearage assistance and up to $2,000 in plumbing repair support, and that local intake and administration are presently handled in the county by local agencies.
Commissioner Rick said the proposal would be "a regressive fee that is going to most hard impact low income wage earners," arguing that people just above the eligibility threshold would pay the fee without seeing substantial benefit. Commissioner Kell said the city already participates in multiple assistance programs and clarified that the resolution opposes the bill’s approach, not affordable water generally.
State Representative Mener provided legislative context, saying the bills had not moved out of committee and that bipartisan support would be required for quick passage; he predicted the measure may not reach the House floor for several months and could be affected by upcoming elections.
The commission adopted the resolution by roll call. The action records the commission’s formal opposition but does not change existing local assistance programs.
