News file photo of a large water tower in Alpena.

ALPENA — After listening to 45 minutes of public comment, the Alpena Municipal Council on Monday delayed making a decision on whether or not to change the way it fluorinates its water supply or discontinue adding fluoride to it altogether.

The council is expected to make a decision at its Dec. 19 meeting.

Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to a public water supply solely to reduce tooth decay.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy does not require the fluoride into municipal water systems. It does recommend however a public input session so residents can weigh in before use of fluoride is discontinued.

Members of council decided to put off the vote in order to learn more on the liquid fluoration process, examine dental data, and give members of the community a longer period for decision.

Mayor Matt Waligora said the decision is a big one. He said public comment received thus far has been balanced and more time is needed to sort out the facts.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make since I have been on council,” Waligora said. “I’m not ready. If someone were to make a motion to vote on one of the options I would probably vote no (on) any of them because I’m just not ready.”

City Engineer Steve Shultz presented three options to the council. One is to continue to pay a higher price for the powder that is used now, but face a possible shortage of it.

He said the price of the chemical continues to rise and no supplier can guarantee a price for longer than three months.

Shultz said the fluoride purchased in May was $3.05 a pound, but the current vendor has indicated that it can provide the powdered fluoride for $3.45 per pound. The rate hike equates to $7,600 more the city would pay for the same amount it purchased earlier this year.

The second option is to use liquid fluoride, which has the easiest availability.

Converting to the liquid form, however, would mean the city would have to invest about $100,000 to renovate the plant to accommodate it. Shultz said it would cost the city $20,000 a year for the liquid chemical.

Using the liquid chemical could also expose employees to health risks, according to officials.

The final option is to discontinue its use.

For now, Shultz will order a pallet of the powder chemical to help supply the city with product until a final decision is made and give ample time to notify residents of any pending change in procedure.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.