LINCLON PARK, Mich. — Residents packed Lincoln Park City Hall Monday night to demand answers about a water rate increase of upwards of 28% — a hike many say they simply cannot afford.
The increase, approved by city council on August 10, will take effect September 1. City officials say the rate hike is necessary to address decades of wear and tear on the city's aging water infrastructure.
Lincoln Park resident Dorothy Patton-Boyer is among those voicing frustration.
"It's unfair. I don't get it." Patton-Boyer said.
Fellow resident Ralph Herkimer said the jump caught him off guard.
"It's a big jump." Herkimer said.
City Attorney Edward Zelenak said discussions about the rate increase began in late June before council approved it last month. Officials say the city's current water system loses 40% of its water due to aging infrastructure and equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced.
The 15 to 28% increase was the third tier selected out of four possible options. It comes with a fixed cost for every resident. City officials say annual increases for the next several years will be capped at no more than 3%.
Still, residents say the burden is too great — particularly for those on fixed incomes. The increase could mean a quarterly bill jump of up to $60.
"It's awful. I'm on a fixed income… where do you want me to get this extra money from?" Patton-Boyer said. "It cuts into food, activities and gas."
Herkimer said the increase compounds other financial pressures.
"Gas bill and everything else is going up." Herkimer said. "It's a big jump for a senior citizen on a fixed income."
Lincoln Park Mayor Maureen Tobin acknowledged the difficulty but expressed cautious optimism.
"It's a daily battle, but we're conquering it little by little." Tobin said. "And hopefully with everything we have going on with the system right now there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully that maybe some of this stuff can be reversed."
The mayor said the city offers financial assistance resources for residents who need help with the increased costs.
The water rate increases take effect September 1.
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