City Commission Declares Emergency Over Water Issues

bhcityhall-63
bhcityhall-63

The Benton Harbor City Commission has declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing problem with lead in the drinking water of some residents. The debate at Monday’s meeting was heated as Commissioner Ron Singleton said it was important to send a message to residents.

“It’s in our house now, and we have to address it,” Singleton said. “I think one of our most important things to do is to make our residents feel that we’re going to do something.”

Mayor Marcus Muhammad warned such a move would create legal issues that could result in his being granted additional powers. Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats said if that’s what residents want, then so be it. Muhammad later said he will work with the state and local officials to resolve the water issue quickly.

“This will afford me the opportunity to put in the necessary work for the city,” Muhammad said.

Singleton said his resolution declaring the emergency could open the possibility of the city receiving additional help from the federal government. Residents are being given bottled water by the state while service lines from the street to homes with high levels of lead are replaced. The city attorney said following Monday’s vote the commission now needs a plan of action with its emergency declared. Mayor Muhammad said he will work on one. He also said he will ask the governor Tuesday for water credits for residents, similar to credits granted to Flint residents. That’s after some members of the public asked that their water bills be suspended.