SNAP crisis: Saginaw suspends city’s water, sewer utility late fees in response

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw residents won’t need to worry about late fees on their water and sewer utility bills, at least until federal lawmakers resume funding for a high-profile food assistance program.

During a 9-0 vote at a meeting Monday, Nov. 3, the Saginaw City Council approved a temporary waiver of all late fees and penalties for water and sewer utility bills for city residents.

While the measure impacts Saginaw residents and Saginaw utilities, the resolution’s existence was tied to a federal initiative involving food assistance: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP.

Per the city’s approved resolution’s language, Saginaw officials will resume applying late fees to water and sewer utility bills one month after federal lawmakers fully restore SNAP’