Commissioners ask why Benton Harbor reimburses St. Joseph for sewer service

BENTON HARBOR — Commissioners on June 1 questioned a large accounts-payable item that reimburses the City of St. Joseph for sewer services used by properties on Grand Avenue.

During the accounts-payable review, Commissioner Clark Griffin asked about a line item of $82,824 listed as a payment to the City of St. Joseph. The manager explained that some properties built along Grand Avenue were connected to St. Joseph’s sewage system and that Benton Harbor reimburses St. Joseph under an existing agreement: "When they decided to build those houses, they end up using St. Joe's sewage. That's why we reimburse them," the manager said.

Commissioners requested written documentation of the reimbursement arrangement and asked staff to clarify which properties are covered by the agreement and why Benton Harbor does not operate separate sewer lines in that area. The manager and clerk agreed to provide copies of supporting agreements and line-item backup.

The questioning is part of a broader line-by-line review commissioners conducted of accounts payable and contracts; staff did not provide full historical documentation on the spot and committed to follow up in writing.