City vs. Township Goes to Trial Over Water, Sewage Rates

It was opening day in court as the City of Alpena verses the Alpena Township dispute moved to trial over water and sewer rates. The back and forth drama has been going on for over 4 years.

After collecting data, information, evidence, and more, both the City of Alpena and the Alpena Township decided a final decision had to be made by Judge Michael Mack of the 26th Circuit Court.

The Alpena Township receives water for customers from the city, and claims that rates being charged for services are unreasonable. The Alpena Township allegedly owes more than $3,000,000 in payments for water service.

In Tuesday’s opening day history of the rates were presented. City of Alpena, Engineer Richard Sullenger presented history facts of how the water and sewage rates worked all the way back to 1977.

He claimed that the City of Alpena goes beyond its needs in order to service the Township’s water pump needs, which makes rates increase.

The trial is expected to last two weeks. Over that course of time the court is expected to hear from more experts from both sides.