Manhattan Village Board Approves Water and Sewer Rate Hikes to Fund Future Infrastructure

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | October 21, 2025

Article Summary: Manhattan residents will see their water and sewer rates increase over the next several years after the Village Board approved a new rate structure designed to fund major infrastructure projects, including a new water tower and wastewater plant estimated to cost up to $50 million.

Water and Sewer Rate Changes Key Points:

• The board approved an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates to fund long-term infrastructure projects.

• Major upcoming projects include a new wastewater plant estimated at $42 million and the Well 7 project at $9 million.

• Officials stated that even with the increases, Manhattan’s rates will remain competitive with or lower than many surrounding communities.

• The new rate structure also removes any caps, credits, or limits associated with water consumption.

The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, approved an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates, a move officials say is necessary to fund an estimated $50 million in critical infrastructure upgrades over the coming years.

The decision follows a finance workshop where the board determined that rate adjustments were needed to cover the costs of a new water tower and a new wastewater treatment plant. “The wastewater plant alone is like $42 million,” said Public Works Superintendent John Tyk. “And we have the Well 7 project which we’re in the process of right now, which is another $9 million project.”

Mayor Mike Adrieansen called the decision difficult but necessary. “You don’t want to be Flint, Michigan on the news, not be able to give people good water,” he said. “It is unfortunate, but it is a necessity with a growing community and an aging community that you have to make these hard decisions.”

Finance Director Justin VanVooren assured the board that even with the phased-in increases, Manhattan’s rates will remain competitive. “The rates are higher in those other communities,” he said, comparing Manhattan to surrounding municipalities. “Some of the rates that we’re looking at, even after the four years, will be lower than those rates in those other communities now.”

The new ordinance also removes previous caps and credits related to water consumption. The increases are structured to be implemented over a four-year period.