DETROIT (WWJ) - A committee of Macomb County Commissioners are giving their support the new regional management agreement covering the Detroit Water and Sewerage Board.

Their finance committee decided not to back a rival proposal originally offered by Oakland County. This was before Friday's agreement was announced by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and the three counties.

Committee Chairman Commissioner Don Brown, who called the new agreement a step in the right direction, wants to see more accountability to rate increases.

"Washington Township got 12 percent, Macomb Township 31 percent, they're hoping maybe they can be reviewed in light of the changes," Brown said. "Time  will tell if that's going to happen or not," he said.

Brown said he likes the fact there will be more accountability on the board, which will have an appointee from each of the three counties and four from the City of Detroit. Each member will be required to have no less than seven years experience in areas of expertise as it pertains to the water department.

Staff members will include three professionals in legal, finance and engineering.