Detroit City Council Approves Rate Increase, Reluctantly

Just 2 days after it rejected an increase in rates, the Detroit City Council earlier today voted today 4-3 to approve an 8% hike in water and sewer rates. Monica Conyers, who voted against the increase on Tuesday, was absent for today's vote. Reports the Detroit News --

The Detroit City Council today passed a water rate increase, averting a potential move by a U.S. District judge to unilaterally set higher rates for 4 million customers in 126 communities.

Customers are set to see bills go up about 8 percent, an amount Detroit Water Department officials say is needed to bolster declining revenues and counter surging interest rates on money the system has borrowed for capital improvements.

The measure passed in a 4-3 vote this afternoon. Members JoAnn Watson, Kwame Kenyatta and Brenda Jones continued their stance on not supporting the proposal that hurts city residents who are facing substantial financial issues. Monica Conyers, who voted against the measure Tuesday, was absent, as was Martha Reeves.

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