Council extends county sewer operations contract while township transitions to new operator

Council approved a memorandum of agreement that extends the Water Resource Commissioner's Office (WRC) operation and maintenance services for the village sanitary sewer through the end of March while staff evaluates whether to remain with WRC or transition to Fleece and Vanderbrink (FNV).

Administrator and staff explained that Commerce Township has selected FNV to operate and maintain its sanitary sewer and portions of its water system; FNV will begin operation for the township next week. The village has a more complex water picture — a patchwork of private wells, community wells and two different city water connections — and staff said they need time to assess technical, billing (SCADA) and contract implications before making a permanent choice.

The memorandum buys about three and a half months of operational continuity while staff and council gather cost estimates and review contractual terms. Council asked staff to pin down future billing arrangements (WRC will invoice the village separately if the extension is approved) and report back; the motion to accept the memorandum passed on roll call.

What happens next: staff will continue negotiations, request service‑cost estimates from both the WRC and FNV, and return to council with a recommendation before the memorandum expires in March.