“Financially, this is something we can work with if we get off that four year clock [set by the Fruitport termination notice],” said city manager Natasha Henderson. “This is something we can plan with for now.”
Read MoreCouncilwoman McGlothin argued that starting with Fruitport’s notice in April 2011 that it was exiting its water contract with Muskegon Heights, the township’s authority to negotiate a new deal alongside Norton Shores ceased to exist.
Read MoreOn a recommendation from the city manager, the city council voted 5-1 to charge residents a 2 dollar “Transaction Service Fee” for payments made without bills present at the time of payment. The fee is meant to offset the administrative costs associated with locating the resident’s account and verify the payment amount on demand.
Read MoreJager said good prior performance, the need for competing water systems to keep prices down, and even questionable financial strength of any one city or the county as reasons for keeping the Heights plant under Heights control.
Read MoreAs a component of the plan, Muskegon Heights’ plant would give up control of the operation of the plant. In return, Muskegon would pay the Muskegon Heights $1.2 million per year for 5 years, paying a total of $6 million to take full operational control of the plant. Muskegon Heights, however, would retain ownership of the plant itself and the waterfront land it sits on.
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