LANSING – State Representative Coleman A. Young II (D-Detroit) today criticized the recent decision by the Detroit City Council to transfer a city-owned sewer line to Oakland and Macomb counties as a violation of a state law that requires the sale of public utility property to be decided by a public vote.
"Selling this sewer line without putting it to a vote and giving our residents the opportunity to make their voices heard is wrong, plain and simple," Young said. "This move not only sets a bad legal precedent, it will hurt the hard-working men and women responsible for maintaining Detroit's water and sewer utilities. I call on city leaders to do what is right and let our citizens have their say on the matter before it is too late."
On Aug. 25, the Detroit City Council approved the transfer of the line known as the Oakland-Macomb Interceptor. The sale was part of a legal settlement city leaders agreed to this past spring over the cost of maintaining the nearly 50-year-old sewer line that runs from Chesterfield Township in Macomb County to Rochester Hills in Oakland County.
While the sewer line only serves residents in suburban Detroit, Young said selling public utility property without putting the issue up to a vote is in direct violation of the Michigan Constitution.
"In these tough economic times, I understand the pressures our city leaders are facing to cut costs and boost revenue, but selling this sewer line in such a manner is going too far," Young said. "It not only disenfranchises our citizens, it hurts the city's bargaining power in future property deals or disputes."