Benton Harbor City Commissioners have put the brakes on a plan to start adding fluoride to the city’s water supply.

At Monday’s regular city commission meeting, City Manager Alex Little said the city for decades fluoridated its water to help maintain the dental health of residents. However, the fluoridation program was halted about two and a half years ago as the city dealt with issues at the water plant. He recommended starting the program again.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said “the so-called experts” recommend fluoridating the water, but he has some reservations.

“One thing I have learned is that just because things have been done for 50 years, 60 years, 70 years, does not necessarily always mean that it was right,” Muhammad said. “We have learned that building homes with lead pipes was wrong.”

Muhammad said he’s open to learning more about the potential health effects of adding fluoride to the water. Little said he believes fluoridation is something the city can do for its children who are lacking in dental care.

Commissioner Juanita Henry said the city will have to give back funds provided to it by the state if it passes on the fluoridation program, but Muhammad noted there is no mandate for the city to use the fluoride. Commissioners then voted to table the matter.