The Prettiest Little City in The State of Michigan

FAQs

Why is my water bill so much?

Actually, the biggest cost portion of your water bill, is not for water. It's for sewer!

The City purchases water from Detroit, that cost is about 1/2 of the total cost to operate our water system. The additional cost for our system is utilities, salaries, repairs, maintenance, improvements, etc.

The City purchases sewer service from the City of Pontiac. The City of Pontiac charges an extremely high price to dispose of our sewage for us. The sewage disposal fee is about 75% of the total cost for the sewer department. The remaining cost is for utilities, salaries, repairs, maintenance, improvements, etc. This sewage usage is metered as it enters the City of Pontiac’s Sewer System. One problem our sewer system has is too much clean water entering the sewer system. This water enters through manholes, manhole cover and cracks in the sewer main. However, the majority of the water comes from footing drains around houses and sump pumps that connect to the sanitary sewer. Since we pay by the gallon to dispose of our sewage, we are paying a lot of money for the City of Pontiac to treat “clean” water.

Each water/sewer bill is determined by the quarterly usage. If you feel your family's usage is the same from quarter to quarter but your bill is drastically higher than normal please call City Hall, you may have a water leak!

How do I contact the police after hours?

This is a very frequently asked question at City Hall. For any Fire, Medical or Police emergency always dial 911. This will connect you with the West Bloomfield Police dispatch. They will dispatch whatever is necessary. Sylvan Lake does have 24 hour Police protection. When City Hall is closed and you need a Police officer for a non-emergency, or to report a water, sewer, or other problem, please call the Police phone number (682-2104). This will also connect you with West Bloomfield dispatch and they will dispatch one of our officers to contact you or the DPW if necessary. If you want a police officer to come to your home, tell the dispatcher that.

Do I need a permit?

The answer is probably "yes" more times than not. You do need a permit for any additions or alterations to your home. You need a permit for a roof, porch, deck, steps, patio, fence, driveway, windows, siding, etc. You also need a permit for airconditioners, hot tubs, electrical and plumbing work.

You definately need a permit for any work you are proposing to do in the road right of way. The road right or way extends approximately 15 feet from the edge of the street.

What is the current tax rate?

The following is the 2005 tax rate for the Pontiac and West Bloomfield School Districts:

PONTIAC
Summer: 29.04620 Homestead
47.04620 Non-Homestead


West Bloomfield
Summer: 34.21240 Homestead
48.49620 Non-Homestead

Municipality Homestead Non-Homestead
Pontiac 31.0728 49.0728
West Bloomfield 40.6554 54.7128

Sylvan Lake City Schedule

Garbage and Rubbish Picked up every Wednesday (garbage should be placed outside no sooner than 7:00 p.m. the night before.
Water Bills Sent out quarterly.
Taxes Sent out in June (summer taxes) and September (winter taxes)
City Council Meetings are held every month, at the community center, on the second Wednesday at 8:00p.m.
Planning Commission Is held the first Tuesday of each month at the community center at 7:30p.m.