Marion City committee pauses action on resolution opposing Aqua Ohio rate filing after merger notice

A Marion City committee discussed a resolution proposed to oppose Aqua Ohio’s request to raise water service rates and to ask the Public Utility Commission of Ohio to deny the filing. The item drew attention during new business but was not advanced after staff said the city received an email the morning of Nov. 3 indicating Aqua is entering a merger with American Water and “there will be no change in customer rates as a result of the merger.”

Committee members said the email made immediate action unnecessary but agreed to keep the resolution on the committee agenda in case subsequent filings or changes require a formal response. A committee member said the city would coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions that had opposed the rate request in the past and could share costs of any legal or consultant work if the matter resumes.

The discussion included a brief public comment about unrelated sidewalk and driveway damage tied to recent utility work; the commenter asked for municipal follow-up with the utility contractor.

The committee did not vote on a resolution at the meeting; members instructed staff to monitor filings at the Public Utility Commission of Ohio and to bring the item back if new evidence suggests customer rates will change.

The committee’s action leaves the resolution dormant but preserved on the agenda pending further updates from Aqua Ohio or the commission.