Norton Shores says no to water proposal

During a recent work session, Norton Shores City Council decided to decline a recent proposal from Muskegon Heights that would amend their current water service agreement. The proposal lacked the conditions the council was requesting regarding a fund balance, Norton Shores officials said.

“This is just unacceptable to us,” Councilman A. Scott Rood said.

In June, Norton Shores officials decided to start looking at costs of the city's own water treatment plant.

City Administrator Mark Meyers said he appreciates that Muskegon Heights approached them to keep Norton Shores on as customers, even offering to lower the multiplier rate it would charge the city for water consumption.

“But my concern is, given the past history — in my opinion, without some kind of check and balance with our future budget — I don’t believe we have any guarantee the wholesale price won’t continue to rise," Meyers said.

As the City Council reached a consensus to reject the proposal, Mayor Gary Nelund reminded council that the two cities are still in negotiations.

“Despite what everyone wants to say, it’s still cordial,” Nelund added.