(THREE RIVERS) – The City of Three Rivers has set their water rates, but only for one year.

During a special meeting one week ago, the Three Rivers City Commission approved the first reading of the proposed updates. The change would include an increase in residential equivalent unit charges for water usage. It would be equal to a flat fee paid bi-monthly by all Three Rivers residents, and would jump from $25.40 to $47.48 by July 1 of 2024.

In addition, the water commodity rate, which is based on every 100 cubic feet of water used, would gradually increase from the currant rate of $2.12 per 100 cubic feet to $2.96 per 100 cubic feet by July 1, 2024.

During Tuesday's regular meeting, the Commission held a public hearing on the rates. Third District Commissioner Chris Abel says he doesn't find this acceptable. ...... {LISTEN}.

In addition, under the proposed updates, sewer rates would see their REU charges go up from $57.09 REU to $59.39 REU by July 1, 2023.

The reason the rates are going up is because of an unfunded mandate from the State of Michigan to replace lead water service lines in the City of Three Rivers by 2041.

After some discussion, the Commission agreed by a 5-2 vote to increase the rates for one year. That would give the City more time to look into possibly getting State funding to help with the program and lessen the burden on the taxpayers.