Ferrysburg council adopts modest water rate increase, delays hookup fee changes

The Ferrysburg City Council voted Monday to raise key water charges and keep sewer rates unchanged as staff and councilmembers debated how to rebuild dwindling utility reserves.

Councilmember Cook moved the package that the council adopted, saying it would modestly increase steady revenue while staff studies more complex changes. "The motion is to increase the readiness to serve water rate 10%, which should bring the rate to $21.95," Cook read during the motion and added that the water volume rate would move to 81¢ per cubic meter. The motion passed on roll call with one 'no' vote.

Staff had recommended smaller increases but told council the waterfront fund had shown an operating loss in the June 2025 audit and that reserves were low. Craig, a city staff presenter, said the water fund currently had about $280,000 in cash reserve and described a multi-year target that the presentation labeled as "$7.50." "To get up to 500,000 by 2930, there would have to be an increase of $50,000 per year," Craig said, urging gradual increases.

Councilmembers pressed for protections for residents on fixed incomes and suggested exploring a senior discount program. A motion to reduce hookup fees by 25% was proposed as part of the initial package but later amended: the council decided to postpone any hookup‑fee changes until staff provides a cost study and to add a work session on a senior citizen rate program.

City staff will research neighboring jurisdictions' fees and provide a cost estimate for a formal rate study before the council considers any change to hookup fees.