Water, sewer rate hike imminent?

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

A slumping economy may lead to higher water and sewer rates in Plain City, according to Mayor Sandra Adkins.

The mayor told village council members on Monday that raising the price of municipal utilities would help meet debt obligations incurred by renovation and expansion of the town’s sewage disposal plant.

Plain City borrowed $4.6 million in 2006 from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) for the project, anticipating future growth and development would lead to increased revenue from tap-in fees.

But a sluggish economy stalled that growth and the village must continue to meet its financial obligations, Adkins said.

OWDA leaders denied a request to re-finance the 20-year loan, which is subsidized by bonds, via an “interest only” payment plan. Instead, they suggested the village raise water and sewer rates to match those of surrounding communities. It would be the first rate increase since 1995, Adkins said.

Village fiscal officer Renee Van Winkle said the average household utility bill in Plain City currently runs about $55 a month and includes the cost of water, sewer and trash pick-up.

Van Winkle added village administrators will explore other options for increasing revenue before moving to increase utility rates.

The cost of trash disposal in the village may also go up slightly in coming months since a three-year contract with Waste Management will soon add 36 cents to monthly bills. The village currently pays a monthly fee of $17.55 per household for trash pickup. That fee will increase to $17.91 in January.

It will be up to council to decide whether or not to pass that cost increase on to residents, Adkins said.

In other meeting business on Monday:

• Council approved an amended zoning ordinance allowing one additional conditional use permit within a B-1 business district.

• Council also approved emergency ordinances that authorized bidding for salt to use in the water treatment plant and contracted with Medical Mutual of Ohio for health insurance for village employees.

• Council member Mark Hostetler reported the planning and zoning committee expects two new businesses will locate in the village next year. They are Judson Lumber and Anderson-Noland Construction Company.

• Police chief Jim Hill thanked the local Lion’s Club for a $500 donation to buy candy for distribution at village parades and events.

• Village administrator Steve Hilbert reported work is underway on the new Plain City swimming pool. Hilbert expects to propose admission and membership fees for the new facility at the Dec. 12 council meeting.