Manton $6M water upgrade decision on hold over community health, potential rate hikes

WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Manton city commissioners have tabled a nearly $6 million water system upgrade after weeks of debate, delaying a decision on a project that could significantly raise residents’ monthly bills.

It was a full room and a tough conversation Tuesday night in Manton as commissioners weighed how to fix the city’s aging water system without overwhelming residents.

In the end, they decided they weren’t ready to make a decision.

“I made a motion to table this because I don’t feel comfortable as a resident and as commissioner representing the residents to make a vote on yes or no,” Commissioner Nichole Johnson said. “I don’t feel like we have enough information. We got new information just yesterday that I haven’t had a chance to completely review. Not speaking for the other commissioners, but I want to look into other things.”

The $5.9 million proposal would replace lead service lines and upgrade key parts of the system.

Engineers told commissioners the final cost could come in nearly $2 million less than originally estimated if bids are favorable.

But even with that reduction, residents would still see higher water rates.

“And it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 per household to do this project,” one resident said during public comment. “And that’s just the lead project of replacing the ones that we need to replace.”

Others pushed back, saying the city simply doesn’t have the financial cushion to take on another long-term loan.

“We’ve got our pipes in need to be replaced, but we have 15 years left of the 20 to do that. What we don’t have is sufficient funds to even operate,” another resident said. “I understand it’s attracted to free money in the million and a half. It’s free money. I get it. Free money comes with obligation and debt.”

For now, the future of the project, and what it could mean for residents’ water bills, remains up in the air.