Resident warns Mid Ohio water plan could more than double London bills

Doug Biles, a London resident who said he has attended multiple Mid Ohio Water and Sewer District meetings, told the council the consultant presentation and rate spreadsheet show steep long‑term costs that will be shared across a combined district. "The average rate for a person now that's a customer is for water and sewer is approximately $75 a month," he said, and warned the consultant's financial plan showed bills "going to a $168 a month."

Biles argued most planned capital projects — a new treatment plant, sewer lines and water towers — would benefit the district's north side and not London, yet London customers would be expected to help pay for them under a proposed single‑district rate structure. He urged the council to pass a resolution asking Mid Ohio to "abide by the commitments made to the BPU and the London City Council," saying the district had "backed away" from earlier assurances.

Council members and staff responded that the Mid Ohio minutes and presentation are posted and appear to show about $550,000,000 in projected capital spending through 2036. Acting committee members noted the presentation projects multi‑year rate increases (5%, 15% and additional increases in later years) and raised questions about which projects would be chargeable to London. President Peters asked the law director and staff to review the city's contract with Mid Ohio to determine what, if any, authority the council has to influence district rate structure or to seek commitments in writing.