Scottville water rates increase; sewer rates remain the same.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SCOTTVILLE — The Scottville City Commission approved a 21% water rate increase Monday during its regular meeting. The hike, however, is only for water rates, not for sewer rates. The increase was necessary based on what the city pays the City of Ludington for water plus estimates for needed water main repairs.

The motion was passed by a 4-1 vote. Those voting in favor included Mayor Richard Maki and commissioners Bruce Krieger, Ann Genson and Marcy Spencer. Voting against it was commissioner Ed Hahn. Commissioner Connie Duncil was absent and there is currently one vacancy on the commission.

Currently residents pay $2.60 per thousand gallons of water that they use. The rate in 2016 will be $3.15 per thousand gallons, which means a house that uses 3,000 gallons of water a month is currently paying $20.04 for water and will then pay $24.26 a month for water.

The raise in rates does not impact sewer rates. At this time, city residents pay $5,67 per 1,000 gallons of sewage and also a $35.86 per month meter charge. The sewer rate is higher to pay off the city’s sewage infrastructure build several years ago.

The increase is the first time since 2010 the city has increase rates and is due to increased rates from the City of Ludington, whom Scottville purchases its water from and from an upcoming needed water main replacement project.

City Manager Amy Williams said Ludington has been increasing its rates by the rate of inflation since 2010. In May of this year, Ludington also increased rates by an additional 4.9% in preparation of its anticipated overhaul of the water treatment facility at Stearns Park.

“We have not increased our water rates or our sewer rates since January 2010,” Williams said. “However, we have had increases in what we pay for water service.”

A consultant recommended Scottville increase its water rates 21% the first year and then 5% the each year following, due to increases in rates from Ludington and a water main project that Scottville must take on.

Williams said sewer rates will remain the same.

The following shows the rate increase based on water usage:

Usage  per month Current Bill New Bill Increase

2,000 gallons $17.44 $21.11 $3.67

3,000 gallons $20.04 $24.26 $4.22

4,500 gallons $23.94 $28.97 $5.03

6,000 gallons $27.84 $33.71 $5.87

10,000 gallons $38.24 $46.31 $8.07