By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea residents who want to learn about proposed utility rate changes are invited to attend a public hearing at 7 p.m., Monday, March 20 at the Chelsea Municipal Building.
Included among these proposed changes are:
- a proposed $1-monthly decrease in the water and wastewater ready to serve charges on April 1.
- a proposed $2-monthly increase in the electric ready to serve charges on April 1.
- a proposed 3-percent increase in residential electrical rates beginning July 1.
- a proposed 3-percent increase in commercial and industrial electrical rates on July 1.
- no proposed water or wastewater increases for FY 2017-18.
The Chelsea City Council set the date for the public hearing at its Feb. 21 meeting.
City Manager John Hanifan wrote in the City Council packet that “with the proposed adjustments, our electrical rates for all classes will still be among the lowest in the State of Michigan.”
The council also adopted a resolution authorizing publication of notice and reimbursement from bond proceeds, which Hanifan called, “A first step in the bond process the city would follow specific to the Palmer Lot Project” for which the maximum cannot exceed a $1.5 million bond.
In addition, the council approved a request from Utilities Director Ray Schmidt to replace 36 Reverse Osmosis Membranes at the Water Treatment Plant at a cost of $19,440.
The City Council also unanimously voted to reappoint current DDA board member Jennifer Fairfield and to appoint a new member Charles Wiseley. Both terms run through Dec. 31, 2020.
Also, the council approved the appointments of two alternates to the Board of Review-Michelle Elie and Jennifer Baghdoian.
During the public comment Kurt Koseck, chairman of the Chelsea Area Fire Authority board introduced new Fire Chief Rob Arbini, who started on Feb. 20.
