End the water, sewer dispute quickly
Was the water agreement ordered between Alpena city and township governments really that bad?
Or, as we might suggest, was it really that good?
The Alpena Municipal Council voted this week to appeal the recent order by 26th Circuit Court Judge Michael Mack regarding litigation between the two government entities over water and sewer rates. Council’s position follows similar action taken by Alpena Township trustees last month.
So, let us see if we understand this correctly. Neither the city nor township is happy with parts of the ruling?
In our humble estimation, when neither side is completely pleased with a ruling such as this, then probably it is as fair and just as possibly could have been reached. Both sides walked away with something back in the middle of September, when it was announced. And, while it might not have been everything either would have hoped for, there were aspects both could claim victory over.
But victory quickly is lost if this issue never has a conclusion.
And, victory is a term that usually involves winners and losers.
In this issue, the only winners that we can determine are the lawyers and consultants, who must be smiling as the litigation fees keep mounting. At last count, both sides have spent over $2 million on a suit that remains unsettled.
If you, as a city or township resident, is OK with that, then more power to you.
We are not.
Enough is enough. Hammer out a compromise and move on.
(THE ALPENA NEWS)