MELVINDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Editors note: Changes have been made to the story to reflect the origins of the 10-unit minimum.
Melvindale residents are pushing back against a long-standing city policy that requires them to pay for a minimum of 10 units of water per billing cycle — even if they use far less.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's full report in the video player below:
Rene Marlow, a longtime Melvindale resident, said she uses just three units of water over three months but is still billed for the full 10. She says the policy results in a water bill of nearly $200 every few months.
"Something's gotta change. I don't know what people are supposed to do," Marlow said.
Officials say the 10-unit minimum was implemented decades ago to keep up with the city's aging water infrastructure. Residents are now questioning why the minimum charge remains in place.
Marlow described the situation as a cycle with few options for residents.
"And then what? Then they turn your water off, then your house is condemned cause you got no water; it's a vicious cycle. Like, what is going on?" Marlow said.
Fellow Melvindale resident Jacqueline Kennedy echoed the frustration.
"I don't like a $200 bill. I didn't use it. I don't want to pay it." Kennedy said. "It's not right."
Regarding the rates, Melvindale Mayor Nicole Shkira issued the following statement:
"For some time, the City of Melvindale has had a mandated minimum charge of 10 units of water. This means that residents are charged for 10 units whether they actually use that amount of water or not.
My concern is that the City currently has a large sum of money in the Water Fund—money that has been collected on the backs of our residents through their water bills. I do not agree with maintaining excessive water charges simply to build up cash flow, particularly if those funds are being relied upon for purposes that are not directly related to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of our water system.
Currently, the average minimum water bill is approximately $180.23 for a three-month billing cycle. At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of living, I believe we need to seriously consider giving our residents some relief.
This issue has been raised during City Council meetings, but unfortunately, the current Council majority has not supported reducing the minimum water requirement or providing residents with a break. I strongly disagree with that decision.
I believe that when we take an oath of office, we take on the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of our City and, most importantly, the people who live here. In my opinion, when we have the financial ability to provide relief to residents who are paying more than necessary for a basic necessity like water, we should do so.
Our residents deserve to know where their money is going, why they are being required to pay for water they may not actually use, and why the City is not taking action to provide relief when there appears to be an opportunity to do so.
That is why I will continue advocating for Melvindale residents and for a fair review of our water rates and the mandated 10-unit minimum."
Residents say they want to see that change soon.
"I'm frustrated for everybody in the city," Marlow said.
Following the release of this story, Melvindale Mayor Pro-Tem Joseph Jackson provided the following statement:
"I think it's unfortunate the mayor chose push the blame on her council in regards to the 10 unit minimum charge on our water bills here in Melvindale. First let me say it was inaccurate that this 10 unit minimum started in 2022. It actually started in the early 90s. It was put in place because of rising cost repairs and operations. And mainly because of increasing rates handed to us by GLWA. There isn't one single resolution that ever stated that the 10 unit minimum was connected to any bond. There isn't any resolution that the 10 unit minimum would go away at the completion paying off that bond either. I would also note that our current mayor sat on council for 8 years and never once proposed lowering the 10 unit minimum usage. That being said we do have a real problem here in Melvindale in regards to the affordability of our water. In my opinion GLWA's demands are too steep for communities like ours. We cannot afford 300 400 500 $600 water bills. In my opinion we are definitely being unfairly charged by GLWA . We are starting to see very common problems with surrounding cities like Lincoln Park. Melvindale has just been dealing with this a lot longer than others. So in summary something definitely has to be addressed in regards to how GLWA bill's communities like ours."
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