City Commission regular meeting - 6/16/2026

The City of Battle Creek held a regular City Commission meeting on June 16, 2026, which included significant discussions on water and sewer rate adjustments based on a five-year rate study conducted by Stantec Consulting. The study recommended modest annual increases of 1.5% for water and 2.5% for sewer rates from fiscal year 2027 through 2031 to fund capital improvements such as lead service line replacements, well field upgrades, and water main repairs, as well as to maintain fund balance targets and meet bond covenants. The commission debated the impact of these rate increases on residents, particularly concerns about readiness fees and the allocation of costs related to the Ford Blue Oval project, a major industrial water user. Despite some calls to postpone the rate resolution for further review, the commission approved the water and sewer rate increases. Additionally, the commission approved a brownfield plan for a residential development project, authorized the purchase of city property for $150,000, approved refunding bonds to reduce interest costs, and transitioned the local transit system to a regional authority. Public comments highlighted concerns about utility costs, fairness of rate structures, and community policing issues. The meeting concluded with approval of a labor agreement for the fire department.