After five years and $2 million in legal fees, the water price dispute between the city and township is still ongoing and in court again.

I understand our elected officials, the city mayor and council, and township supervisor and trustees, are working on a settlement, with no outside legal help and fees. The taxpayers have heard no report of success.

To get negotiations moving, I would suggest that the city deduct from 2 percent to 5 percent off the price they are asking, and the township add the same percentage to what they want to pay.

This should put them close enough together to work out a settlement.

They can use Judge Michael Mack’s figures on splitting the pool.

Let’s get it done.

NORMAN DUTCHER,

Alpena