Written by Tanya Terry
Flint is known for having significantly higher-than-average water rates, with residents paying some of the highest water bills in the nation, even after the Flint Water Crisis. In fact, a 2015 study by Food & Water Watch found Flint residents paid the highest water bills among 500 surveyed communities, with Flint residents paying almost three times the national average.
Flint residents haven’t had a water rate increase since 2015.
But, Flint’s water supplier, GLWA, recently approved a 5.9% water rate increase and a 4.5% sewer rate hike, starting July 1.
The City has been working to decide how much, if any, of the wholesale price hike will be passed on to residents.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley recently asked the Flint City Council to support using $2 million in ARPA funds to cover the increase. The proposed plan was designed to help prevent city officials from having to raise water rates for within the city for residents and businesses at least a year.
Council President Ladel Lewis, Council Vice President Candice Mushatt and Councilmembers Leon El-Alamin and Judy Priestley voted in favor of moving the funds Neeley suggested moving. Council Members Jerri Winfey-Carter and Dennis Pfeiffer voted no, stating concerns that the plan was not a long-term solution. Council Members Tonya Burns and Jonathan Jarrett were not present to vote.
In 2017, city officials signed a 30-year contract with GLWA, but City of Flint officials have said they are continuing to look for a longer term solution to protect residents from direct increases in their water bills. The City has said it is particularly committed to ensure water services remain affordable for vulnerable households.
“The previous administration’s decision to enter into a long-term contract with GLWA has created significant challenges for Flint,” said Neeley. “However, we remain committed to finding solutions that protect our residents…“
On March 24, the City of Flint issued the following statement:
“As the Flint City Council was once again presented with an opportunity to protect, support and advocate for residents and their future, it is apparent that the interest of the people has taken a backseat to the political posturing that seems to be front and center. With the absence of Councilwoman Tonya Burns and Councilman Jonathan Jarrett, along with no votes from Councilwoman Jerri Winfrey-Carter and Councilman Dennis Pfeiffer, (it) caused the failure of this important measure to keep families free from the unnecessary financial strain of rising water rates.
“Let’s be clear: the rising costs imposed by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) are not going away. Without this stabilization fund, Flint families could feel the full weight of these increases, hitting households already working hard to make ends meet. The people of this city should not have to pay the price for political gamesmanship or personal agendas. Leadership means taking tough but necessary actions to protect the people we serve—yet, tonight, some on the City Council chose not to.
“This administration remains committed to fighting for financial relief, continuing to explore every option available to shield residents from these rate hikes. The community is urged to hold their elected officials accountable and demand meaningful action. This fight is not over.”
The council will hold a meeting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday March 26 to consider reallocation of $2,000,000 in ARPA funds to the Water Stabilization Fund, as well as the reallocation of ARPA funding for a youth job training program.
