LINCOLN PARK, Mich. – As the cost of living continues to climb, some Lincoln Park residents will soon see a hike in their water and sewer bills.
The Lincoln Park City Council recently approved increases that will raise water and sewer rates between roughly 15 and 28%, with an additional 3 percent increase scheduled in subsequent years.
In a news release posted on the city’s website it states the new rates adopted by City Council are: Water Rate $6.31 per 1 unit of water Sewer Rate $8.48 per one unit of water.
The release also goes on to say the city’s water and sewer fund “faces significant challenges,” and that higher rates are needed to meet current and future obligations.
The city cited aging water and sewer infrastructure, water loss exceeding 40%, and rising operating costs as key reasons for the change.
For residents like homeowner Shylah Henry, that explanation doesn’t make the numbers any less daunting.
“It’s simply unaffordable,” Henry said.
Henry said her water and sewer bill typically runs about $300 per billing period.
To help residents understand the structure, the city posted a graph in its news release.
Under the new plan, a customer using 12 units would currently pay roughly $193.
That bill would go up about 28% under the increase, to roughly $248.
Customers who use more water will see smaller percentage increases, but still higher bills overall.
Henry said the timing of the hike is especially difficult.
“I’m self-employed, and I just purchased this home last year,” Henry said. “I’m trying to get my budget down. And you know, to have this large of an increase, it’s scary. I could have a slow month, and it could be the difference between paying my water bill or keeping the roof over my head.”
Another resident, Matthew Haubeit, said he is also bracing for higher costs.
“I just put a swimming pool in my backyard this summer,” Haubeit said. “That’s going to add to it, so that’s going to be five, six hundred dollars.”
Haubeit said he opposes the increase and wishes city leaders had held more public discussions before taking a final vote.
“The water is going up; what’s next?” Haubeit questioned.
Not everyone in Lincoln Park is opposed.
One resident who declined to speak on camera said she understands the need for higher rates and argued they will ultimately help the city.
Local 4 reached out to the city for additional comment but did not receive a response.
We also visited City Hall and were told the person responsible for speaking with the media is not in at this time.
Several residents said they plan to attend Monday’s City Council meeting to voice their concerns and ask for more answers about the change.