Kingsford council rejects one-time water and sewer rate hikes

The Kingsford City Council on May 18 rejected a one-time 9% increase in monthly water rates and did not advance a proposed one-time 22% sewer-rate increase intended to replenish utility fund balances and pay for planned infrastructure work.

City Manager Michael Stelmaszek presented findings from a Michigan Rural Water Association study and said the increases were needed to cover projects including the Hoadley sewer extension, Cass Avenue sewer main replacement and replacement of aging water mains and access lines. Stelmaszek also flagged recent cost increases for sewage treatment, noting an upcoming $.13-per-1,000-gallon increase (a roughly 3% rise) at the Kingsford/Iron Mountain Joint Sewage Authority.

A motion to adopt Resolution #2026/5/18.1 (water) failed on a roll-call vote: Yeas — Joseph Groeneveld and Michael Flaminio; Nays — Cynthia Dixon-Miller, Daniel Freeman and Angela Olson. A separate motion to adopt the sewer resolution (Resolution #2026/5/18.2) was moved by Flaminio but received no second and therefore failed.

Stelmaszek told the council he would seek additional analysis before returning the topic: "City Manager Stelmaszek will request another rate study to address the concerns prior to bringing it before the council again." The manager also described the history of underfunding and the need to rebuild fund balances to address century-old clay mains and other deferred projects.

Council members pressed for additional detail on where savings could be found and requested more information before voting. The failed votes leave the city's utility rates unchanged for now and signal that staff must provide more granular cost and project-specific data before the council will consider increases again.