By Steve Stiffler
The Newberry Village Council met February 17 and unanimously approved a utility rate adjustment to cover a state-mandated energy program to meet a state-mandated requirement aimed at reducing energy waste.
Council members adopted a new electric rate structure to fund Michigan’s energy waste reduction (EWR) program, an unfunded mandate requiring the village to pay about $79,000 annually to Efficiency United for energy audits and rebates. Under the plan, residential electric bills will increase by $3.97 per meter per month and commercial bills by $7.82. The council agreed to review these rates again next year.
Council members expressed frustration with the requirement but said the village has no choice but to pass along the cost to customers.
The Council also considered a request from Pentland Township to extend its wastewater service agreement through 2028 or longer because its wastewater lagoon project has been delayed. The request was referred to the Infrastructure Committee for review. Newberry officials noted the village is preparing for its own major wastewater storage tank project, which could raise total village debt to about $10.7 million once bonds are finalized.
Despite the looming debt, the village reported improved finances, with all required bond reserves and repair-and-replace accounts fully funded for the first time since 2005.
Other business included discussion of drafting an ordinance to clarify responsibility for clearing snow from fire hydrants after concerns raised during a recent house fire.
There is currently no state law or village ordinance explicitly assigning responsibility for clearing snow from hydrants. While property owners are generally expected to maintain access to meters, no ordinance indicates it is their responsibility. The village Infrastructure Committee will review the issue and make a recommendation to the council at a future meeting.
