Water And Trash Fee Updates From Plymouth Township

Plymouth Township residents will see no increase in water and sewer rates for 2018-19, and a modest increase in their trash collection fees - the first in 11 years. The Township Board unanimously approved these adjustments at their July 17 meeting.

The zero increase in water and sewer rates is due to rate increases made last year to recoup cuts made by the previous administration in the 2016 election year, and savings realized by the Township’s withdrawal in 2017 from the Wayne County sewer system. The Township is now fully within of the Western Townships Utilities Authority (WTUA) and sends all its sewage flows to the Ypsilanti Sewage Treatment Plant.

The Township Board also approved an increase of $1.25 per household for the Solid Waste Fund, which covers the cost of trash and yard waste pickup, shred days, and the Township’s popular Household Hazardous Waste day. This is the first increase in the Solid Waste fee since 2007.

The budget for the Solid Waste fund had been allowed to run down to unacceptable levels by the previous administration, including a two-month election-year fee waiver in 2016 costing the township $223,000. The fund now needs to be increased to ensure stable budgeting and funding going forward.

The new rate adjustments take place immediately and will be reflected on residents’ next water bill.