Utilities money collected

It is has been nearly two years since City Council worked with landlords to develop a policy that would help minimize past due bills and improve utility collections.
“Based on data we have been collecting over the past two years, the policy seems to have had its intended effect,” Anderson said. “In March 2012, 2,797 accounts were billed and 75 shut-off notices were sent, which represents 2.68 percent of all customers.
As of Thursday, 16 customers remain shut off.

City needs
consultant

On Monday’s City Council agenda is a recommendation to hire a consultant to assist Dowagiac with monitoring of wells in and around the Nubour area as well as advising the city of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requirements.
This is the next in series of steps that have been undertaken to transition from the state of Michigan collecting samples to local responsibility, according to City Manager Kevin Anderson. Cost of this monitoring is expected to be about $13,000 per year.

Bids sought
for street work

Bid specs have gone out the door and firm prices on local street projects are expected next week for the summer of 2012.

These projects will be completed using funds the council set aside for capital improvements to streets each year.