Water department outlines meter rollout, pump‑station upgrades and warns of legislation that could hit revenues

City water department staff told Youngstown council on March 10 that infrastructure spending and utility costs will rise in 2026 and briefed members on the status of the city's meter project and pump‑station work.

The administration said a roughly $1.2 million increase in the water infrastructure request covers four projects: completing half the cost of a pump station, a 12‑inch pipe on McGuffey to link the east side pressure zone to Lake of Knolls supply, work tied to Route 224 coordinated with the state, and a Turner Road connection.

Staff said the meter installation program is about 86% complete and projected to reach roughly 90% during the year; as the project winds down, expenses for installation will decline. Water staff also highlighted pump‑station utility costs that contribute to operating lines and said a utilities allocation for pump stations rose to approximately $725,000 in this budget to reflect potential electric rate increases.

Separately, water officials warned council about proposed state legislation that would limit or change surcharges municipalities can assess upstream partners. Based on controller estimates shared at the hearing, staff said the impact to the city could be about $2.1 million and could force a residential rate increase on the order of about $3 per customer per month on average if the legislation passed in its discussed form.

Councilmembers asked about security at pump stations; staff reported camera installs at pump sites and plans to upgrade fencing and access control at the treatment facility as part of larger security and plant expansion efforts.

The hearing contained no votes; staff were asked to continue monitoring legislative developments and to return with clarifying financials if the state proposal advances.