Water bills spike in Highland Park because of higher local charges

When Highland Park resident Kenneth Woolridge saw his water bill, he did a double take.

“I was shocked.”

Woolridge’s bill in December was $76.67, but the next month it was $134.22. That 75% increase couldn’t be explained by Woolridge using more water.

Residents across the city had the same experience. Last month, the City of Highland Park introduced new charges after its officials signed a tentative settlement agreement in October with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the State of Michigan to repay more than a decade’s worth of debt. Until January, Highland Park was paying 65% of water and wastewater treatment charges from GLWA. As part of the tentative agreement, the city agreed to start paying the full amount last month.

Keeping the debt off property tax bills

Highland Park is estimated to owe GLWA around $55 million in overdue water and wastewater fees. The city can avoid adding that debt to residents’ and businesses’ property tax bills — where it otherwise would go — by following the terms of the tentative settlement agreement. It settles all lawsuits between GLWA and Highland Park as long as both sides hold up their part of the deal.

“I’m trying to save your house,” Mayor Glenda McDonald told residents at Highland Park City Council’s Feb. 5 meeting. “We’re not here trying to rip you off the water rates, we’re trying to save your house.”

The tentative settlement agreement reduced the water rates Highland Park residents will be asked to pay . But residents’ bills are higher because the city is adding increased “readiness to service” charges. This additional revenue will go toward past construction debt and future maintenance. These charges will be in place through June 30.

Starting in July, an independent third-party analyst is expected to help determine rates for Highland Park customers going forward. That’s tough to do right now because, while residents and businesses have meters on their properties, there are no citywide meters — or “master” water meters. One or more master water meters are supposed to be installed by the end of the year. The city also agreed to install temporary wastewater meters in manholes this spring to measure sewage volume. Once 12 months of “quality metering data” is collected, GLWA will base its charges on that data.

The current deadline for Highland Park, GLWA and the state to finalize the settlement agreement is Feb. 15.

Paying the bills

Woolridge said he’s worried about being able to afford the new charges.

“I have no clue how I’m going to make this up for the next six months,” said Woolridge. He said he hasn’t found steady work in years.

The City of Highland Park said in a letter to residents there are programs available from three nonprofits to help them pay their water bills: the Heat and Warmth Fund’s MiWATER program, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency’s Water Affordability Program and The Human Utility .

State lawmakers are also working on legislation to make paying for water more affordable .

Increases across the board

Soon, Highland Park residents won’t be the only ones in Southeast Michigan facing higher charges on their water bills. GLWA is proposing new rates for the municipalities that use its services. It’s looking at an average 3.25% charge adjustment for water system member partners, including Detroit, and an average 3% charge adjustment for sewer system member partners.

The authority is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed rate increases at a GLWA Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 28 at 2 p.m., located at 735 Randolph St. in Detroit. The public can attend online .

Detroit Documenters Amy Senese, Lauren Ridenour and Sandi Nelson contributed to this story.

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