Politics & Government
Utica Approves 50% Water and Sewer Rate Hike
Utica has adopted steep water and sewer increases to keep prices more inline with an increase from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
Utica residents will see an average of more than 50 percent increase on their next water and sewer bill.
The Utica City Council approved rate hikes Tuesday evening that are more inline with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Departments increases.
“We have very little choice,” said Utica Mayor Jaqueline Noonan. “We must move forward in our ordinance and be charged what we’re charged.”
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Utica Treasurer Phil Paternoster explained that Detroit is no longer charging the municipalities it serves based on consumption rates, but rather a flat fee.
"Although water consumption is going down, but the fixed prices as a wholesale are rising every year as they (Detroit) convert from per unit to a fixed charge," he said.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Beginning in July residents will begin to see an average 8.7 percent increase for water and an 89 percent increase for sewer.
The minimum quarterly bill of $57 will now jump to $86, which is a 50 percent increase.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
