After a 4-2 vote by the Independence Township Board of Trustees on July 18, residents will soon see an increase in their next sewer bill.
According to Linda Richardson, director of the Department of Public Works, the Oakland County Drain Commissioner sent notice of a $1.46/ quarterly increase per Residential Equivalency Unit to the township.
Richardson recommended ‘passing through? the increase to township residents, which breaks down to a 0.50 cent per month ($1.50 per quarter) increase for users. Residents will now pay $61.50 per quarter, up from $60.
Voting no on the increase were Township Supervisor Dave Wagner and Trustee Dan Kelly. Trustee Charles Dunn was absent.
‘I just don’t think it’s a good idea right now,? said Wagner. ‘With everyone’s budgets so tight, I think we can eat this one.?
‘If our supervisor feels we have the money in fund balance to cover this, then I don’t think the timing is right,? agreed Kelly.
Richardson said the increase is consistant with the board approved February 2004 Water and Sewer System Fund Analysis and Rate Study.
Even though the increase was effective for the township July 1, the residential billing cycle starts on the 15th of every month. For this reason, Richardson asked for the increase to residents to take place on July 15.
For questions, please call Independence Township at 248-625-5111.