Councilors recommend pursuing a water and sewer rate study amid resident concerns over rising bills

Councilors agreed to seek a formal water and sewer rate study after several members said residents are struggling with recent increases and want clearer cost explanations and options.

"I think the rate study is critical. I think a lot of people are obviously very upset about rates," the Chair said, urging a move to a fixed charge plus a volumetric charge to give customers more control. Clerk Joan said the study was included in the proposed budget and estimated its cost "to be about 120,000" based on Perrysburg's recent study.

Councilor David moved to recommend pursuing a water and sewer rate study and presenting results to council; the Chair seconded. Clerk Joan clarified that the study should cover both water and sewer, and staff agreed to reach out to Stantec and other firms for bids and timelines. Matt said he would email Stantec that night and follow up with the council on timing.

Councilors pressed staff on household impacts and assistance: a city staffer reported nine shutoffs this week (up from a normal 3–5) and described account options including monthly payment plans and ACH, and said the late fee is 10% of the current bill and a $150 termination fee applies for disconnection. Staff also said the city incurred more than $300,000 in reimbursements to residents in 2025 related to laterals and internal work.

Clerk Joan warned that a rate study could conclude the city needs to collect more revenue: "we have no way of knowing, the rate study may come back saying that we're not collecting enough." Councilors discussed the county auditor as a lower-cost alternative for a tailored performance audit (Clerk said the auditor's bottom price was about $60,000).

Staff also described long-term sewer needs, saying Stantec provided a schedule for approximately $175,000,000 in sewer projects over the next 18 years, which will draw down fund balances unless offset. The Chair and Clerk agreed staff would return with firm cost estimates, timelines and procurement options.

The council did not record a formal vote on adopting new rates; the action at this meeting was a recommendation to solicit and compare proposals for a rate study and to report back to council.