JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — The Jackson Metropolis Council permitted a proposal Tuesday to extend the common water and sewer payments for its residents to greater than $220 each three months—to repair its getting old tools.
“The cost of treating water and treating sewage is going up, and that’s the world we live in,” mentioned Director of Public Works Mike Osborn. “Unfortunately, no one likes an increase, but these are essential services.”
The rise straight impacts residents’ pocketbooks, however officers say the cash will go to enhancing the county’s lead service line program and canopy the price of operation on the metropolis water remedy plant.
The within of a Metropolis of Jackson water plant. (WLNS)
“A lot of the pumps and valves are at their expected life. So we’re having to replace more and more,” Osborn mentioned. “So that’s another reason why costs are going up.”
For longtime resident Pam Prescott, the brand new invoice hike would not come as a shock.
“Maybe they do need to be replaced, but that’s a lot of money, and where is that money coming from if it doesn’t come from us?” Prescott mentioned. “So you’ve got to think about that.”
Osborn says the Jackson charges are nonetheless decrease than the state common regardless of the rise, which is able to price the common resident $11 a month.
“Our water rates are still below the state average, and our sewer rates are well below the state average. So if you look at the state of Michigan as a whole, we’re still low,” Osborn mentioned.
Osborn says the rise will take impact for all water and sewer payments after June 30.
