GRAND RAPIDS – Water and sewer rates are expected to increase for local residents, beginning Jan. 1,
2010.
During its meeting on Monday, council gave a first reading to two ordinances. One establishes a
three-year period of water rate increases, from Jan. 1, 2010 through 2012. The second ordinance sets a
three-year period of sewer rate increases for the same time period.
Village Administrator Chad Hoffman reported Bowling Green’s Board of Public Utilities had adopted a
three-year plan to increase its wholesale water rates; Jan. 1, 2010, 15 percent, Jan. 1, 2011, 8.5
percent, and Jan. 1, 2012, 8.5 percent.
"We’re passing on Bowling Green’s wholesale rate increase onto our minimum charge," he said
after the meeting concluded.
If approved, the new ordinance sets the 2010 general service minimum rate for 3,000 gallons at $24.84 for
persons within the corporation, with incremental increases over 3,000 gallons. Bulk water haulers will
pay $13.13 for their first 1,000 gallons. Outside the corporation, residents will pay a minimum rate of
$37.26 for their first 3,000 gallons.
In 2011, the rates will increase to $26.63 for minimum rate inside customers; $15.34 for bulk water
haulers; and $39.95 for persons outside the corporation.
In 2012, the rates rise to $28.46, $17.60, and $42.69, respectively.
The ordinance indicates the current water rates have been in effect since 2004.
Hoffman said the calculations are based on four million gallons purchased from Bowling Green each month.
He said he does not anticipate a change in the amount of water purchased, averaging 3.2 to 3.3 million
gallons per month.
"It’s been pretty consistent," he said.
Council also gave a first reading to an ordinance establishing a new three-year sewer rate, setting them
at two percent each year. If approved, the minimum monthly payment increases on Jan. 1, 2010 to $17.07
plus $1.22 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
On Jan. 1, 2011 the minimum monthly payment rises to $17.41 plus $1.22 per 1,000 gallons used. Exactly
one year later the sewer minimum will be $17.76 plus $1.22 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
The last time period the sewer rates increased was 2004 through 2006.
"We’re trying to keep up with a little bit of inflation instead of one big increase," stated
the administrator.
During Hoffman’s report, he announced the village will see a yearly savings of $453 with its change in
cell phone providers.
Since Verizon purchased Alltel, and Verizon has the GAS government contract, the village is not required
to sign a two-year contract for service. That will save $180 a year. Also, the village will not need
pagers for the utility alarm system because of additional towers for cell phone service, saving $273 a
year.
Councilman Curt Williams reported Hosanna Lutheran Church is still in need of storage space for about 20
bins of clothing for its clothing pantry. Clothing is given away free seasonally, though persons who are
in need after a house fire can also get help.
It was suggested the church look into a storage facility possibly donating space for the clothing bins.

Councilwoman Carolyn Erdody noted a new sign at the end of the bridge indicates drivers can visit the
village’s "historic downtown." Hoffman said the new sign was made because the village belongs
to a sign program.