Township focuses on water issues, gypsy moths, and budgets

By Cynthia Beach - Contributing Writer

25 Dec. 2025

Water rates for Lowell Township residents will now follow a tiered-billing system. The Lowell Charter Township unanimously approved new water and sewage ordinances during its December 16 meeting.

Water use from 1,000-10,000 gallons stays at the same rate of $4.60 per 1,000, but now after residents exceed 10,000 gallons, the rate increases to $6.90 per 1,000 before climbing to $9.20 per 1,000 over 20,000 gallons. Clerk Monica Burtt explains, “The new rates will be effective for billing February and March 2025. The bills will be sent out on April 1, 2025.”

Such increases of water and sewage rates follows a 2024 trend. According to a Dec. 2 WOOD TV article, water rates in Kalamazoo were increased by 5 percent and wastewater by 12 percent. Grand Rapids residents will see an approximately 3.68 percent water and sewage increase. There was no public comment during the public hearing for these rate increases.

These water and sewage ordinances also now limit on-line payments, with insufficient funds to three occurrences in 24-months’ time before the resident will need to pay by other means.

The spongy moth, the renamed gypsy moth, provided the board’s second focus. A recent survey of the township shows serious infestation. The Aquatic Consulting Services reports that 2,495 acres need spraying to control the destructive moth. The board discussed a possible millage to pay for the estimated $200,000 spraying costs. Trustee Carl Blough recounted a prior millage used to combat the foliage destruction.

According to the Aquatics Consulting Services website, the spongy moth should be feared for two reasons: what it eats and its rapid population growth. The moth feeds ravenously on aspen, apple trees, maples, oaks, and other Michigan trees. When it comes to population numbers, this moth has few predators to check its growth.

Aquatics Consulting Services divided the township into 13 areas and assessed the impact of the spongy moth and then prescribed treatment. For example, in 65 acres of land and suburbs near Woodbushe and Baywicke Drive, Aquatics concluded, “An established population in prime habitat. Nuisance is likely high, due to history of infestation in the area. Historical tree damage is evident on several trees in the area. Further tree defoliation is possible, due to high egg-mass densities on several trees in the northern portion of the block (including Woodbushe Drive and Baywicke Drive). Spray to mitigate potential nuisance and future tree damage.”

According to Director Neal Swanson of the Midland County Gypsy Moth Suppression, the spongy moth was introduced in America in 1876 from its native Europe. It was a silkworm, brought here to produce silk.

Other Business

The Board unanimously voted resident, Melissa Bailey, onto the Cable TV Advisory Board. According to her application, Bailey is a 30-year Lowell resident and business owner, who serves as a trustee for the Mercer Foundation and vice president of Lowell Middle School PTO.

Other business included renewing appointments for the Zoning Board, Board of Review, and Planning Commission.

Residents, Kent and Susan Riddles, asked the board to add the discussion of using privately-owned barns as wedding venues. Hale introduced Planning Committee Chair, Dave Simmonds, to the Riddles and explained the agenda item would begin here. Trustee Blough supported the idea. “Agricultural tourism is now a thing to do. There’s a lot going on.”

The Riverfront Park Bridge has reopened, said township Supervisor, Jerry Hale. “Some bolts required a half turn and some required a turn and a half. “So now it’s safe again,” quipped Blough.

The $100,000 job was completed after the wood was allowed to shrink.

Budget 2025 business approved cost of living adjustments, up 3.1 percent for the township officials and staff. Discussion lingered over the budget. Clerk Burtt pointed out the $1,000 increase in postage and the State refunds for early voters, while Trustee Blough gave an update for the fire department’s budget. “The fire department is doing good. The fire chief is very budget oriented. Unless something big happens, we’ll be in budget.”

However, he added the 2025 budget needs to increase. Blough attributed the need to the volume of calls during the day. “It’s burning out people.”

Trustee Bill Thompson extolled the board to study renewable power. From the audience, Dave Simmonds, chair of the planning committee, concurred, noting that his committee is readying ordinances. Hale noted, “I’ve gotten two calls about it, but can’t allow it because we don’t have an ordinance.”

Attending the meeting were Carl Blough, Bill Thompson, Andy Vander Ziel, Jerry Hale, Mark Anderson, Ronda Benedict, and Monica Burtt.

The next township meeting is January 20, 2025 at the Lowell Carter Township offices beginning at 7 p.m.