Lansing · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lansing public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water/utility affordability
Mike Smalligan asked council to get real data on the roughly 25,000 BWL customers struggling to pay bills, and to look at Rep. Devendorf's bill capping water bills at 2-3% of income for low-income households.
Catch basin maintenance backlog
Only about 3,800 of the city's 13,000+ catch basins have been serviced since 2024, causing flooding, waterway pollution and street deterioration — and putting Lansing out of compliance with the Clean Water Act.
Moores River Drive culvert and sewer easements
The Country Club of Lansing easement resolution was tabled again while the city finalizes language — the easement would run behind two homes instead of through the street. Construction isn't expected until 2027.
New pension administration software (Foster & Foster)
The board is replacing Tegrit as pension administrator at the end of 2026, with Foster & Foster taking over. A nonrenewal letter was approved with a month-to-month fallback if the switch isn't done on time.
Keller Drain Flooding Petition
The city is working out easement terms with the Country Club of Lansing over drain and culvert property on Moores River Drive. The deal got tabled because the price and easement details weren't nailed down yet.
CSO project noise permits (Ottawa Street and 015 South)
Two Combined Sewer Overflow projects need noise waivers to keep working — including Saturdays — and one risks losing $2 million in federal funding if not done by September 30. The city is trying to get roads paved before Silver Bells.
BWL home winterization initiative
At the Sept. 17 celebration, the Board of Water and Light will promote its program helping residents winterize their homes — a money-saver ahead of the heating season.
CSO sewer projects and Saturday work hours
The long-running sewer overflow project needs Saturday work to finish on time, but neighbors are fed up with the weekend noise. Last year's denial stretched the project well beyond its original two-year timeline.
Board of Water and Light accountability
A resident told Council that Board of Water & Light staff say 25% of its 100,000 customers struggle to pay bills, and urged the Council to demand data and back state legislation capping water bills at 2-3% of income for low-income households.
BWL FY 2027 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
A resident raised concerns that the Board of Water and Light plans to fund several substation conversions with city-backed bonds, charging the public rather than the businesses that would benefit.
BWL Return on Equity Payments Extended
The city's payment from the Board of Water and Light stays at 6% of revenues for two more years, with the first three quarterly payments accelerated. BWL leadership argued 6% with strong growth brings the city more money than a higher rate would.
Old Everett Power Outage
A neighborhood leader complained about an unannounced power outage and asked the city to hold BWL accountable with notification requirements or fines.
Wet Weather Control Program / Biosolids project
The Council adopted the project plan for an $88 million biosolids handling project at the wastewater plant, needed to comply with a state consent order — likely costing a typical household about $4 more per month through a low-interest state loan.
BWL Annual Audit and Baker Tilly Reappointment
The utility posted a clean audit with $27.6 million net income — a jump council members questioned after a controversial rate increase. BWL says the return is needed to reinvest in aging infrastructure.