Could Flint Water Utility Run Out of Money?

More and more customers are refusing to pay for water service amid the ongoing crises
Could Flint Water Utility Run Out of Money?
In a city already faced with financial hardship, the water crisis that began as a way to cut expenses is now causing even more fiscal headache

As a water crisis continues in Flint, Michigan, city officials are now worried a financial crisis will soon follow. Because of the lead-contaminated water, residents have been refusing to pay for the water service, which is leaving the city in a “very precarious situation,” according to Flint officials.

“This is an imminent concern,” said City Administrator Natasha Henderson to city council members, stating the city water fund could be depleted by December.

In a city already faced with financial hardship, the water crisis that began as a way to cut expenses is now causing even more fiscal headache.

“That has a tremendous impact on the city’s ability to be fiscally sustainable,” Henderson said in an MLive.com article.

Dozens of people have been protesting in front of the Flint City Hall, claiming they shouldn't have to pay for water services.

On Feb. 2, Gov. Rick Snyder announced that he plans to propose $30 million in state funding to help pay the water bills of Flint residents. According to the Associated Press, aid would cover the estimated portion of residential customers' utility bills for water that has been or will be used for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing hands. Customers would still be responsible for other water usage, such as flushing toilets, watering lawns or washing clothes.

"Flint residents will not have to pay for water they cannot drink," Snyder said in a statement to the AP. "My budget recommendation will include the request that the state make payments to the city's water system for residential bills going back to April 2014 and alleviate the need for residential water shut-offs."

Source: MLive.com, Associated Press



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