Residents to See Higher Utility Bills Despite No Tax Hike
PORTAGE, MI — The Portage City Council will get its first look at the proposed budget for the next fiscal year at their Tuesday meeting, with City Manager Pat McGinnis confirming that no millage increase is planned for the upcoming budget year.
The 2026-2027 spending plan includes several significant rate changes that will affect residents' monthly bills.
Water and Sewer Rates to Rise 7%
City council member Chris Burns said the proposed budget includes an 8.4 percent increase in sewer rates and a 5 percent increase in water rates, which blended together represents about a 7 percent overall increase.
"For an average user that's about a $5.67 increase per month in their water and sewer bills for next year," Burns said.
The utilities advisory council already made that recommendation. If they follow their usual procedure, public work sessions and public hearings will be held on the budget proposal before final approval.
$10 Million Road Project Included
The 2026-2027 spending plan calls for several new projects including a $10 million road construction project financed in a way that should minimize new debt.
City Manager Pat McGinnis pushed the button at this week's city council meeting, officially adding the budget to the city's website. Residents can now review the full proposal online.
Budget Work Session Set for April 21
The city has set a budget work session for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st, before their next regular meeting. The fiscal year begins on July 1st in Portage, just like the schools, which is why they are getting to work on it now.
No Millage Hike Planned
Despite the rate increases, McGinnis said a lot of work has already gone into preparing the budget proposal.
"It will represent improved services, new capital programs, projects, new investments and no increase, so I know that's what city council looks for," McGinnis said.
The proposed 2026-2027 budget is now available for public review on the city's website at https://www.portagemi.gov.