9/21/2026 Study Session Plante Moran + Hennessey Engineering - Water and Sewer- City of Lincoln Park

The City of Lincoln Park held a study session on September 21, 2026, featuring presentations from Plant Moran and Hennessy Engineering regarding the city's water and sewer systems. The session focused extensively on the water and sewer rate study, discussing the financial challenges facing the water and sewer enterprise fund, including aging infrastructure, high water loss (approximately 50%), and the need for significant capital improvements estimated at $36 million. Various rate increase options were presented, with the council having selected a middle-ground approach involving a substantial initial increase in the readiness to serve charge followed by smaller annual increases to stabilize the fund and spread costs over time. The discussion included details on debt service, capital projects funded through bonds and grants, and the impact of non-payment on rate increases. Public comments raised concerns about affordability, transparency, meter accuracy, and the historical deferral of infrastructure maintenance. The city acknowledged ongoing efforts to replace lead service lines, secure grants and low-interest loans, and implement meter replacements. The session concluded with commitments to provide further information and continued updates to the rate model and capital plans.