Civic Snapshot: August 14, 2025 City of Kalamazoo Utility Policy Committee

The Committee reviewed the proposed 2026 Water Rate Setting with Danica Katz from Stantec Global Engineering presenting a detailed analysis of water rate adjustments, focusing on cost of service and customer class impacts. The committee reviewed various rate adjustment options, ultimately leaning towards a gradual adjustment strategy. Additionally, the meeting covered the city’s extensive water infrastructure capital improvement plan, which includes regulatory compliance projects, system upgrades, and lead service line replacements. The committee briefly addressed the integration of Galesburg into the water system, requiring coordination with Comstock Township and potential updates to existing agreements. The Galesburg North 35th Street Franchise Agreement was also approved by the Galesburg City Council and will move forward . Lastly, the committee touched on per diem compensation for unpaid UPC members and other procedural matters. The meeting was data-driven, with discussions informed by detailed financial modeling and infrastructure assessments.Consideration of engineering and accommodations for the proposed Youth Sports Complex continues.