ESCANABA — A discussion about the city’s bids for water and wastewater treatment chemical verged into changing public policy Thursday, when the city discussed the future of the city’s water fluoridation program.

“It might be optional, but not for us. I believe that it was a vote of the people in ’52. We are mandated, because of the vote of the people, to continue feeding it. If someone was to run a petition to get it back to a vote, the people could elect to vote to stop feeding it,” said City Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi when asked if the 35,000 pounds the chemical needed to add fluoride to the water was necessary.

While discussions were already being had about adding fluoride to the city’s water supply in 1952, Escanaba residents voted on a proposal to do so in April of 1954, according to Daily Press records. Voters overwhelmingly supported the decision to add fluoride, approving it two-to-one.

“EGLE put out a statement in support of fluoride,” said City Manager Jim McNeil, referencing a joint statement by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued March 20. “There’s talks that the EPA will put out their own that will be on the other side of it.”

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services head Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. said earlier this month he intends to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.

The council approved the annual chemical bids, including the fluoridation chemicals Thursday.

In other business, the council

— approved hiring Fishbeck of Grand Rapids to do an evaluation of the Escanaba wastewater department’s handling of bio-solids and other solid waste. The evaluation was approved for a cost of up to $73,500, though Lampi noted it could prevent the city from expending large amounts in the future if the evaluation suggests the city can move away from the use of digesters.

— approved an amendment to the engineering agreement with engineering firm WSP related to grant submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant would help support the city’s work on the stormwater system near the site of the former Delta County Jail. If approved, the city would receive up to $3 million.

— set the fourth public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget for May 1, during the regular city council meeting.

— read a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day, which is April 25.