Dearborn Heights council OKs grant‑writer position, advances water‑billing and grants departments

The Dearborn Heights City Council on Nov. 25 approved the addition of a grant‑writer position with a salary cap not to exceed $100,000, to be temporarily funded from the vacant deputy controller line for the remainder of the fiscal year. Council members asked that the council receive the exact salary and contract for final budget amendment before permanent assignment.

Council also gave first reading to two ordinances: H‑25‑11 to create a Department of Water Billing with its own director to handle billing and complaints, and H‑25‑12 to create a Department of Grants. Mayor Baidoun said the water‑billing department is intended to reduce burden on DPW and the comptroller and to improve customer service for water complaints.

As part of the water‑billing discussion the mayor described an online tool from Neptune that will let residents view water usage by address and by hour so they can detect abnormal usage (for example, overnight leaks). "This meter will be able to show you where your highest usage is per hour, per day, per week," he said, and the service would be free to residents. The council approved first readings and asked staff to confirm union and charter compliance; city attorney noted the ordinances were drafted to avoid collective‑bargaining conflicts.