Hartland Trustees approve water rate reset and authorize up to $5 million in bonds for water system upgrades

Hartland Township Board of Trustees on March 10 approved a resolution resetting the township’s water commodity rates effective April 1, 2026, and separately authorized the issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds, Series 2026, for up to $5 million to finance capital improvements to the township water system.

Township Manager Mike Luce told the board the rate-setting process began last year and included outside technical assistance from Steven Burke of MFCI and township staff to develop financial projections for the water system. Luce said the work led to a “resetting of the water rates and increasing the commodity rate” — the charge per thousand gallons — and that details will be published on the township website and social media for customers to review. The meeting minutes do not specify the exact new commodity rate amount.

Finance Director Susan Dryden confirmed the township has very few non‑automated meters — meters requiring a manual read rather than a wireless reader — and staff discussed the operational implications for billing and customer outreach.

Eric McGlothlin of Dickinson Wright’s Public Finance Practice Group briefed the board on the bond resolution, saying the authorization allows issuance of bonds up to $5 million with terms of up to 21 years. McGlothlin said the township intends to repay debt service from the net revenues of the water system; the resolution includes the statutory pledge of the township’s limited tax full faith and credit as a legal backstop if system revenues prove insufficient.

Manager Luce described the bond proceeds as financing the first phase of planned water improvements, including water main looping, a pressure‑reducing valve, and plant improvements. The resolution authorizes a competitive sale of the bonds and delegates signing authority to the township’s authorized officer at time of sale. The board approved both the water-rate resolution and the bond resolution by unanimous roll-call votes.

Next steps: the township will publish rate details online and proceed with the competitive sale process for the bonds. Work on the initial phase of water improvements is expected to follow approvals and funding.