Grand Rapids greenlights $3 million for SCADA modernization

Grand Rapids greenlights $3 million for SCADA modernizationThe City Commission unanimously approved the capital reallocation through its consent agenda, advancing crucial operational technology upgrades for the municipal utility.

The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a $3 million budget substitution dedicated to SCADA modernization.

The commission authorized the write-off of uncollectible water and sewer utility account balances for Fiscal Year 2026.

Zachary Baker was officially appointed to the city's Stormwater Oversight Commission.

The measures were passed unanimously as part of the August 11, 2026, consent agenda without further debate.

The City of Grand Rapids is advancing upgrades to its utility operational technology following the City Commission's unanimous approval of a $3 million budget substitution for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) modernization. The funding reallocation was approved during the commission's August 11, 2026, meeting. The SCADA measure was passed as part of the city's consent agenda, a mechanism used for items that have been thoroughly reviewed and discussed in the various Standing Committees of the City Commission prior to the general meeting. Alongside the SCADA funding, the commission authorized the write-off of uncollectible water and sewer utility account balances for Fiscal Year 2026. Advanced through the Fiscal Committee, the move allows the utility to clear unrecoverable debts from its books as part of its annual financial management. Additionally, the commission formalized leadership appointments within its water management framework, officially recognizing the appointment of Zachary Baker to the Stormwater Oversight Commission. Because the items were previously vetted by city committees, the commission adopted the measures unanimously without additional public discussion.