Michigan Court of Appeals Dismisses Water Rate Increase Lawsuit

The Michigan Court of Appeals announced Friday that it has dismissed a lawsuit challenging two City of Flint water rate increases.

The case, which was filed by City Council President Scott Kincaid and three other Flint residents, sought class action status and an injunction against the City. The Court rejected their claims.

In an order dated June 29, 2012, the Court held that water rate increases by Mayor Dayne Walling and Emergency Manager Michael Brown were valid user fees and not an unlawful tax, as argued by the resident's attorney, Val Washington. The Court ordered that the plaintiffs' complaint be dismissed.