Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved some increases to the water and sewer rates. During a Monday virtual meeting, they were told the increases will be needed to properly support the utility fund as a variety of infrastructure improvements are made throughout the community. The rate hike will be 9.95% for water and 7% for sewers each year for the next five years. Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats questioned if now is a good time to raise costs for residents, and proposed the matter be tabled.
“Being that COVID is an issue, why would we even request putting a burden on the residents of Benton Harbor? The city income tax was for the streets, roads, and sidewalks.”
Mayor Marcus Muhammad said major work is needed, and like it or not, it has to be paid for.
“After three or four years we’ll be solvent, and the utility fund will be back to where it should be, and in the meantime, we’ll have infrastructure and we’ll be fixing Benton Harbor.”
Commissioner Juanita Henry said low income residents can’t afford increased costs when they’re already struggling more than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Commissioner Ron Singleton noted the average increase will work out to about $7 per month on average. After much debate, the rate hikes were approved with only Henry and Commissioner Mary Alice Adams voting no.
