PERRYSBURG — Perrysburg City Council is considering increasing water rates over the next three years.
Council met Tuesday and gave the first reading to the ordinance.
If passed, the new rates could go into effect July 1.
To prevent even higher rate increases later, the city is considering a 10% increase for the water rate on July 1, Jan. 1, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. Also being proposed is a 6% increase for the sewer rates during those same years.
If approved by council, the average customer will see their combined water/sewer bill increase by about 8% or $6.25 per month, starting in July
The legislation will have three readings before council takes an emergency vote on June 4.
The need for the increase is due to higher purchasing costs for water from Toledo and the Northwest Water and Sewer District, additional staff to meet the requirements of the Ohio EPA to properly maintain and operate the distribution system, and the replacement of four-inch cast iron watermains.
In other action, council:
• Approved the final reading of an ordinance allowing city personnel wage increases of 4% for minimum and maximum salaries and the creation of a new position of utilities supervisor. The utilities supervisor pay range would be between $52,000 and $104,000.
• Approved a resolution to award a $217.074 bid to Freedom Roofing, Windows, and Siding LLC for the replacement of the courthouse roof.
• Finalized an agreement with Perrysburg Township for a cooperative road resurfacing project, whereas the city would reimburse the township for resurfacing Holiday Lane and Georgia Road within the city limits. The approximate cost share of the $48,000 Holiday Lane project estimated to be $7,600 and the $73,100 Georgia Road portion would be approximately $19,100.
• Approved entering into an agreement with Vest Equipment for a 2024 Labrie Automizer Helping Hand Refuse Truck at a cost of $353,585.20 for the public service department for automated refuse and recycling collection. This vehicle replaces a 12-year-old truck.
• Approve the appointment of Rami Ridi and Jack Schoen to serve on the Litter Prevention and Recycling Board with terms ending June 1, 2025.
• Approved a third and final reading on a 180-day moratorium before considering granting any permit in regard to cannabis dispensaries, cultivars or any other processing.
