Oakland County v. City of Detroit

The County of Oakland appeals the trial court’s determination that the sewage treatment costs adopted by the City of Detroit and charged Oakland County residents are fair, reasonable and properly related to the costs incurred for providing the services received. The court ruled that the City of Detroit could charge its resident customers $.75 per 1,000 cubic feet of sewage while charging suburban customers $.89 per 1,000 cubic feet. It found the $.14 differential a reasonable 7% rate of return on investment.

Plaintiff Oakland County alleges that defendant city has no right to charge suburban…