Galesburg council approves water rate increase after consultant presentation

On June 23, 2025, the Galesburg City Council voted 6—1 to approve a raise in municipal water rates after a presentation by Joe VanDommelen of Michigan Rural Water, who said the study was provided at no cost to the city.

Councilmember Roger Frazee, who moved the measure, said the city must maintain its water infrastructure. "The water system is the biggest asset the city has," Frazee said, arguing that regular maintenance and timely replacement are less costly than deferred repairs. Mayor Linda Marble said the change equates to about a $10 increase per quarter, and VanDommelen said the base monthly charge is around $30, with additional per-gallon charges thereafter.

Councilmember Glen Hawes objected to the presentation, saying it was unnecessary because a newsletter notice had already announced an increase and suggesting the process may have skirted open-meetings requirements; Mayor Marble defended VanDommelen and noted he has performed the city's rate study for several years. The council approved the motion to increase rates 6—1, with Hawes voting "Nay." Frazee moved the increase and Carol Wortinger seconded; the roll call vote recorded Ayes: Tipken, Chovanec, Wortinger, Frazee, Harnden and Marble; Nay: Hawes.

The council later adopted Resolution 20250623B to formalize the water rate change. Council members and the consultant framed the increase as preventive fiscal management: VanDommelen said keeping up with maintenance and replacing aging mains now will avoid much larger replacement costs in the future. The discussion referenced the city's roughly $18 million water system value and budget pressures that prompted the study.

The council's action makes the new rates effective under the terms in Resolution 20250623B; the resolution and the council vote complete the city's local approval process.