Kim Smith - Department of Public Services Director
989-772-4600 ext. 224
ksmith@uniontownshipmi.com
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Jennifer Loveberry - Department of Public Services Assistant
(989) 772-4600 Ext. 223
jloveberry@uniontownshipmi.com
Water and Sewer After Hours Emergency Number
989-772-6921
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July 2020 - Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study Executive Summary Reports
A cost of service study is an important rate making tool. It is generally recognized that a utility's rates should reflect the cost of providing service. A cost of service study helps to determine what it costs to provide service to a class of customers so that the utility can have assurance its rates are properly designed.
In January of 2020 the Charter Township of Union engaged the services of the professional firm Utility Financial Solutions, LLC. (UFS) to conduct four studies on behalf of the township's water and sewer utilities. The results of these studies are included in the Executive Summary Reports listed below.
Wastewater Cost of Service and Rate Design Report
Water Cost of Service and Rate Design Report
Connection Fee Analysis
Fee Schedule Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I sell my house or move out of a rented house?
Quarterly utility bills are for service and usage for the previous three months. When you move out of a house you need to have a final bill calculated. The utility billing staff needs some basic information including a final reading of your meter to compute the bill. In order to request a final bill you must fill out the attached form to request a service person be sent out to read the meter. All name changes and final bill request must be made in writing. There is a $78.00 charge to process a final bill. Below is a link to a form you can use to change the name or request a final bill on a water and sewer bill.
Utility Customer Service Request Form
What happens if my tenant doesn't pay the utility bill?
The utility billing staff follows the same collection procedures for rental property as owner-occupied property. Township Ordinance provides for unpaid utility bills to become a lien on the property. Therefore, landlords should check with the utility billing department prior to releasing the security deposit to determine if there is an outstanding utility bill. Quarterly bills, final bills, and payments can be looked up on our website by clicking the link provided to the right, or you can call the utility billing department at 989-772-4600 ext. 223.
What happens if my utility bill payment is overdue?
If your account becomes delinquent you will be sent a delinquent notice approximately two weeks before the shut-off date. If the delinquent notice is not taken care of water service will be discontinued. Your bill, including any fees, must be paid in full before water service will be re-established. In accordance with Township Ordinance, any unpaid balance becomes a lien on the property and will be added to the next tax billing.
What happens when a due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
When a bill due date falls on a weekend or a holiday for which Township Hall is closed payments may be made in the drop box on a weekend or holiday. These payments will be considered on time as long as they are in the drop box by 8:00 a.m. following the weekend or holiday after the due date. Payments received after 8:00 a.m. on the day after the weekend or holiday will be considered late and a 15% penalty will apply. Postmarks are not accepted as being an on-time payment. Payments received the day after the due date in the mail, even if the due date falls on the weekend are considered late.
Can you make payments when Township Hall is closed?
Payments may be dropped in the payment drop box at any time. The drop box is located to the right of the front door at the Township Hall which is located at 2010 South Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant MI 48858. Payment must be by check or money order. If you have the bill, attach it to the payment or place it in an envelope. If you don't have the bill, please note your account number or address on your check or money order. Payments can also be made online on this website. Postmarks are not accepted as being an on-time payment.
Do you look at postmarks to determine if bills are paid on time?
Payments must be received in the Township Hall on or before the due date to be considered on time. The Township does not look at postmarks to determine if mailed by the due date. The Post Office recommends allowing seven to ten days for postal delivery.
High Usage?
Do you know how water is used in your home?
How is water used in your home? On average, 17% goes towards showering, 27% is used by the toilet, your faucet drains 15%, your clothes washer another 22%, miscellaneous needs take up 5%, and those pesky leaks steal another 14%.
How do I read my water meter?
If your water bill is unusually high, you may have a leak. Leaks can commonly occur in the following places:
Toilets - The flapper is the most common source of problems. Turn the water supply valve off at the toilet and watch the level in the toilet bowl. If the level drops, replace the flapper and clean the flapper seal in the toilet tank. In addition, check the level in the tank. After flushing, the water should shut off when the tank level is about ½ inch to 1 inch below the overflow. If water does not shut off at this level, adjust the float in the toilet water tank.
Water Softeners - After the softener has regenerated, check to see if water is still running down the drain. If it is, the softener needs to be repaired. Consider turning off and bypassing your softener.
Faucets - Dripping faucets should be repaired or replaced.
Furnace Humidifier - Inspect the humidifier float to make sure that it is shutting off the fill water at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Check your owner's manual for details.
Additional Information regarding water leaks
An easy way to check for a leak is to perform an Overnight Leak Check. To do so, follow these steps:
Locate your water meter inside your house.
Read and record it in the evening when you are done using water for the day. If you have a softener, pick a day that your softener will not be regenerating.
Read it again the next morning before you use any water. If your meter reading changed overnight when no one was using water, you have a leak.
If you find a leak, get it fixed as soon as possible! Remember we do not issue credits for leaks.