OWOSSO, Mich. (WJRT) - Residents in Owosso are asking the City Council to find a new solution, after the city proposed an over 166% water rate increase over the next five years.

It comes as ABC12 reported in March that the city needs to make nearly $208 million in critical improvements to water infrastructure.

"The plan would cost most Owossoans more than 5 percent of their household income, which is, according to the UN, a human rights violation," said Kaleigh Wiseley.

Residents packed the meeting Wednesday which was held at the Owosso High School Performing Arts Center in anticipation of a large crowd. Many residents used the Town Hall to encourage the council not to pass the increase.

"As far as being able to afford it, I will be able to afford the increase, but what it will do is make me think twice about the Friday nights that I spend at our local restaurants," said Ashley Shortz.

Over the last month, the City Council has worked to come up with alternative plans to reduce the $440 increase for the average water bill initially proposed. That includes going line-by-line to identify which projects are most critical, and which can be kicked down the road.

The Specific Project Deferment Plan would reduce the average water bill from $710.33 in 2030 to $554.42.

"If you were at one of the previous meetings, where the [DPW} Director was reiterating to council over and over all of this is critical. He is not wrong. However, there is a political side to this what can the community take? What does the community want to accept?" asked City Manager Nathan Henne.