KINGSFORD — A new fee schedule will be studied as Kingsford officials look for ways to limit increases in water and sewer rates.

Council member Daniel Freeman has asked City Manager Mike Stelmaszek and department heads to look at the city’s fee structure and update the schedule.

Stelmaszek said Monday he is looking at all of the fees. The new fee schedule would go into effect Jan. 1.

“I like the idea of getting it done before Jan. 1, all the fees for things we do in the city,” Stelmaszek said. They will also be looking which items are appropriate for fees.

The council last month in a 3-2 vote denied a proposed increase in water and sewer rates.

Stelmaszek had requested the increase after a rate study by the Michigan Rural Water Association showed the sewer and water department funds needed a boost to help fund ongoing and future projects.

The proposed increase for residential customers was $1.79 cents per 1,000 gallons used, plus an increase of $2.83 in the standard monthly water service fee and $3.29 in the standard monthly sewer fee.

The city is seeking a second review by the Michigan Rural Water Association.

In other action Monday, the council agreed to purchase 462 water meters and radio antennas in bulk at a savings of $20 per unit. The cost will be $149,688 or $162 per unit.

The vendor is Core & Main Supply, which supplies water and sewer equipment throughout the country.

City Manager Mike Stelmaszek made the request because they will need approximately 300 units for water and sewer replacement project No. 4, which will take place next year. The public works department continues to replace others as needed, he said. There is money in the budget for the purchase.

In the other business, the council:

— Had a budget hearing, because it had been advertised, but will vote on approval of the budget at a special meeting or the next regular meeting. Only three council members were able to attend the meeting and four are needed to pass a budget amendment under city statutes.

— Approved a request to seek bids for the demolition at a condemned house on Lawrence Street. The owner has agreed to allow the city to have it demolished and pay all costs. If the owner fails to pay, it will be placed on the owner’s tax bill.

— Agreed to donate $1,000 to the Sons of the American Legion for the fireworks display in Iron Mountain on Independence Day. Last year’s donation was $800, but the council decided to increase the amount because it’s the nation’s 250th anniversary.

— Approved a pay request in the amount of $165,882.73 for sewer and water project No. 3. Contractor Payne and Dolan is working in the area of Bancroft and Saratoga streets.

— Approved a variance request for a 5-foot setback for a fence at 536 Balsam St., provided the owner signs a waiver for damage that might be done by city plows.

— Will have a hearing July 6 on a variance at 745 Cass Ave.