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Inkster reports $6M meter rollout, plans rate study and $36–37M water capital program
Summary
Officials said the city installed new meters (about $6 million) and are over 90% complete; staff will conduct a rate study and are not proposing a rate increase in the FY27 budget while capital outlays of roughly $36–37 million were presented for infrastructure work and lead/copper remediation.
City water and DPS staff told council the utility program completed a large meter‑replacement effort—described in the meeting as approximately $6 million in new meter installations—and that system telemetry and billing upgrades are now more than 90% installed. DPS staff said the new meters will materially improve leak detection and billing accuracy, reducing previously high water loss.
"We replaced all of our water meters. um that was approximately $6 million," one official stated, noting the deployment has had some initial issues but has put the city on a stronger billing foundation. Staff said they are over 90% complete with installations and are beginning to collect a year of data to inform a formal rate study.
Officials emphasized the FY27 budget does not include a rate increase; instead the administration will complete a rate study early in the fiscal year to model alternative structures (including an upfront base charge or hybrid approaches) that could be recommended after a full year of meter data. The administration noted that lower measurable water loss does not automatically make rate reductions possible because large capital needs remain.
Staff presented capital outlay near $36–37 million for the next fiscal year tied to repair projects, lead/copper remediation and ongoing system investments; they also flagged a wholesale contract with the regional wholesaler (contract renewal to be presented to council in July). Staff emphasized the long‑term nature of water-system work and the need to sequence projects alongside grant and bond funding.
Next steps: complete the rate study and return to council with recommended rate structures and the financial model; present the forthcoming wholesale contract for council approval in July.
