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YCUA Board To Consider Water, Sewer Rate Increases

ycua.org

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has hiked the rate it charges the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority for water by 5.2 percent, and YCUA customers are being asked to help cover the increase.

The YCUA board Wednesday will consider water and sewer rate increases that are actually well below the 5 percent imposed by Detroit. 

"The utility continues to manage its financial situation very well, "YCUA Director Jeff Castro says, "and we're able to reduce that 5.2 percent that Detroit's put upon YCUA to 3.5 percent."

Castro says YCUA was able to save about half a million dollars by re-financing bonds, and has cut its payroll through attrition, saving more money. 

When the rate increases come before Ypsilanti City Council next week, a reduction in the surcharge for water and sewer system improvements would result in an increase of just 2.3 percent for residential customers.