How Are Water and Sewer Rates Established?
Residents and Businesses in Genoa Charter Township, depending on where they are located, are serviced by different water and sewer utility districts. An interactive map, to determine which district you are in, can be found at www.mhog.org. In all cases, sewer and water rates are set to fully cover operation and maintenance costs as well as some capital improvement and replacement reserve costs for larger expenses. Operation and maintenance costs include labor, equipment, electrical, chemical, other utility, and repair costs to sustain the sewer and water infrastructure. The following narrative provides more detail on how rates are established and which governing body is responsible for voting and approving of those rates.
Marion, Howell, Oceola, and Genoa Sewer and Water Authority (MHOG)
The MHOG System provides residents in Genoa Charter Township with Water along the Grand River Corridor between the City of Howell and Brighton Township as well as subdivisions and developments adjacent to Grand River. The familiar Cleary Water Tower is part of the MHOG System. Water rates for the MHOG System are set annually by the MHOG Sewer and Water Authority Board. This separate governing body consists of two members from each township in the system. For Genoa Charter Township, the Treasurer and Supervisor serve on the eight member Authority Board. The Authority Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Oceola Township Hall.
Genoa Oceola Sewer and Water Authority (GO)
The GO System provides residents in Genoa Charter Township with Sewer along the Grand River Corridor between the City of Howell and Kellogg Road, as well as subdivisions and developments adjacent to Grand River, around Lake Chemung, and Subdivisions along Hughes Road. Sewer rates for the GO System are set annually by the GO Sewer and Water Authority Board. This separate governing body consists of two members from each both Genoa and Oceola Townships as well as an appointed independent 5th member. The Authority Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Oceola Township Hall.
Systems Serviced by City of Brighton
The City of Brighton provides both sewer and water service for the Pine Creek Subdivision and water only service for the Lake Edgewood District. The Pine Creek Subdivision located southeast of the intersection of Brighton and Bauer Roads. The Lake Edgewood District services the water needs for businesses on Conference Center Drive and along Grand River between Brighton Township and Bendix Road, including the Lake Edgewood Condominiums. For these systems, the rates are set by the City of Brighton, who provides these utility services to these residents. Genoa Charter Township reads the water meters, sends the bills, collects fees, and performs any maintenance to the meter and reading equipment. The City of Brighton is responsible for all other aspects of operation and maintenance. Through a contractual agreement, Genoa Township passes through the rates from the City of Brighton. Genoa Charter Township charges $0.20 per 1,000 gallons to cover administrative expenses as well as cost associated reading meters, mailing and postage, meter and reading unit replacement, and the receipting and auditing of funds.
Lake Edgewood Sewer System
The Lake Edgewood Sewer System services residents and businesses along Grand River between Kellogg Road and Hacker Road, including the Pebble Creek Subdivision as well as the Lake Edgewood Condominiums. The Lake Edgewood Waste Water Plant is located on Bendix Road in Genoa Township. The operation, maintenance and all other aspects, including the establishment of rates are set by Genoa Charter Township Utility Department with approval from the Genoa Township Board.
Oak Pointe Sewer and Water Systems
The Oak Pointe Sewer and Water System serves all residents of Oak Pointe as well as the Northshore Community and the low pressure sewer system that services the Tri-Lakes area of the Round and Crooked Lakes. For these systems, the operation, maintenance and all other aspects, including the establishment of rates are set by Genoa Charter Township Utility Department with approval from the Genoa Township Board.