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.
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.
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.
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.
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.